Does Tooth Bonding Look Natural?
Our Portage, MI, cosmetic dentist offers several cosmetic dental procedures for patients who are wanting to alter the look of their smile. Sometimes though, there is only a small issue in need of correction and a procedure like porcelain veneers is a step beyond what’s desired. For these instances, Dr. Paul may recommend cosmetic bonding.
Perfect for chips or cracks, bonding involves the application of a tooth-colored composite resin to a tooth’s surface. It is then shaped, hardened, and polished. The result is natural and visibly seamless thanks to the material used.
Here’s what you need to know about the benefits of dental bonding.
Repairs a Range of Minor Issues
Maybe you had a sports related injury years back or you recently bit down on a piece of candy a little too hard. Perhaps you’ve even had that space between your teeth since you were a kid. How ever your tooth imperfections came to be, Dr. Paul is here to help. Dental bonding can correct issues like gaps, cracks, chips, discoloration, or teeth that are irregularly shaped.
The is to have the end result look natural. This is thanks to a shade guide used by Dr. Paul and the application of tooth-colored resin. No one will know by looking at you that you ever had cracked or spaced teeth.
Remember that tooth bonding is best suited for minor repairs. If the cosmetic restorations required are significant, we may suggest alternative treatment.
More Natural Enamel Retained
Veneers and dental crowns both involve a more intensive cosmetic process. This often equates to the removal of more of your natural tooth enamel. If this were a contest, the would win as it involves the least amount being taken off.
Tooth enamel is what you see covering the outside of your teeth. Made up of a high percentage of minerals that enable its strength, enamel protects the more sensitive layers of teeth underneath.
When Dr. Paul removes enamel for procedures, your teeth are permanently altered. Any changes are generally irreversible. Bonding instead maintains more of your natural tooth structure while still fixing unwanted issues.
Low Time Commitment
One of the major is how little time it takes to complete the procedure, in a single visit no less. Depending on how many teeth are being bonded, it will take Dr. Paul between 30 and 60 minutes per tooth. That means you can come into our Portage, MI, dental office for the procedure and leave a short time after with an enhanced look.
Compared to other similar options, cosmetic bonding is also much less expensive. If you’re looking to close a small gap or fix a chipped tooth and feel veneers are a bit excessive for your needs, bonding may be right for you.
Straightforward Procedure
Dental bonding is less invasive and does not need much advanced tooth preparation. Because of this, it is a relatively painless procedure and should not require any numbing or local anesthesia.
The process can essentially broken down into 4 main stages:
- We’ll clean your tooth (or teeth) to ensure a proper bonding surface.
- Composite resin is applied and shaped.
- The tooth-colored material is dried using a UV light and any other adjustments to the shape are made.
- Dr. Paul will polish your tooth to give it a nice shine and make sure the restoration is smooth.
Explore Cosmetic Dentistry for Yourself
Are you embarrassed about a crack or chip in your tooth? Our cosmetic dentist in Portage serving Greater Kalamazoo, MI, may suggest that you pursue the dental bonding procedure. Request an appointment with our office online or call Courtside Dental today at (269) 327-1011.
This blog post has been updated.