According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, cosmetic bonding, sometimes called dental bonding, is the second most requested cosmetic dentistry procedure, after dental crowns. That’s because it’s a flexible, fast, and inexpensive option to rejuvenate your smile. Unfortunately, many people don’t know what it is and how it can help.
What Is Cosmetic Bonding?
Cosmetic bonding is when we use the same composite plastic-ceramic material used for tooth-colored fillings to cosmetically reshape your teeth. The bonding material begins as a soft putty that can be mixed to precisely match your tooth color. Once the color match is achieved, the putty is shaped onto your tooth to create the desired effect. Then a curing light is used, causing chemical changes in the plastic that hardens the material. Finally, it is polished to give it a luster like your natural tooth enamel.
Benefits of Cosmetic Bonding
There are many things that recommend dental bonding. First of all is its flexibility. It can be used to address many cosmetic complaints. The most common reason why we use cosmetic bonding is to address small chips on your teeth. Many people also request it to close gaps in their teeth. But it can also be used to reshape peg laterals or other teeth that are otherwise small or poorly shaped. In addition, cosmetic bonding offers benefits like:
- Results in one visit
- Gives great results
- Lower cost
For many people, this makes cosmetic bonding a great match. On the other hand, the procedure does have limitations. First, it’s more susceptible to staining than porcelain veneers. It also isn’t as durable or long-lasting as veneers. If it loses its luster, too, it can take on a plastic appearance, but that can be corrected with just a quick polish.
Choosing the Right Dentist for Your Cosmetic Bonding
Many dental restorations are made using the CAD tools included in the CEREC system or are sent away to a lab to be manufactured. Cosmetic bonding, though, is fashioned by your dentist by hand on your teeth. The result depends heavily on the dentist’s artistic sense and manual skill. When choosing a dentist to perform cosmetic bonding, closely examine a dentist’s previous work, either on the website or by looking at before and after pictures in the dentist’s office. You want to make sure you are comfortable with the dentist’s ability to give you the results you desire. If you are looking for a skilled cosmetic dentist in Columbus, please call 614-848-5001 for an appointment at the Center for Family and Cosmetic Dentistry today.
