Cosmetic bonding is one of the most common cosmetic dental procedures because it provides one of the simplest and most cost effective ways to cover imperfections in teeth that lead to a less-than-desirable smile. This technique can cover anything from badly stained teeth that don’t improve with other types of whitening techniques to teeth that have chips or cracks or that are unevenly spaced. One question some people ask themselves, however, is whether there are some procedures in which cosmetic bonding is not a good option.
Cosmetic Bonding Benefits
For the most part, almost any dental imperfection that needs to be covered up can benefit from having a bonding material adhered to the surface of the tooth. This is a relatively simple procedure in which the front surface of the tooth is only slightly roughened up in order for the material to adhere to the surface. Then a putty-like material is applied to the surface of the tooth, where it can be shaped and molded as needed to provide the most natural and aesthetically-pleasing appearance. Once the material has been molded into shape, an ultraviolet light or laser is used to harden the bonding material. After it is hardened, the bonding material may then require further shaping and will be polished to look like a natural tooth surface.
This procedure works well for any surface imperfections or to cover minor damage on teeth. Some examples of this are discolorations, chips or cracks. The procedure can also be effective to close up spaces between teeth, change the shape of teeth or to make teeth look longer. Dental bonding is also used when the gums recede and the root of the tooth becomes exposed and is used in place of amalgam fillings when a cavity needs to be filled.
The bonding process is not suitable for teeth that are badly damaged or decayed and that require more strength and structure in order to provide proper functionality. For example, if a tooth is badly decayed, the decay must be removed by a dentist and if enough of the natural tooth structure is compromised a crown may be needed to restore strength and functionality. However, if there is only a minor amount of decay that needs to be removed, a bonding material can be used to fill the cavity left when the decay is removed.
There are few instances in which cosmetic bonding cannot improve the look of teeth. For example, if teeth are severely misaligned, just applying a bonding material won’t be enough to change the spacing or improve the alignment of the teeth. It should also be noted that although the bonding material does form a hard tooth-like surface that should last for years, this cosmetic dental option does not rival the strength or longevity of other cosmetic options, like veneers.
If you’re looking to enhance the look of your smile to hide small imperfections in teeth, cosmetic bonding may be just what you’re looking for. If, however, you have more severe issues with your teeth, such as major decay or serious misalignment, then you should discuss other options with your dentist.
For more information about cosmetic bonding, contact Park Dental Care in Queens at 718-274-1515.
