Having chipped or discolored teeth can make you lose your inviting smile. Thankfully, the cosmetic bonding procedure offers an efficient way to improve or restore your beautiful smile and confidence.
From this new guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about cosmetic bonding including:
• What cosmetic bonding is
• What cosmetic bonding is used for
• Who is a candidate for cosmetic bonding
• How cosmetic bonding works
• The major benefits of cosmetic bonding
• Steps involved in the cosmetic bonding procedure
• Tips to take care of your teeth after cosmetic bonding
• And lots more
If you want to learn more about cosmetic bonding procedure, this guide is for you!
Read on to discover more
Contents
What Is Cosmetic Bonding?
Introduction
Are you looking for ways to improve your smile? Cosmetic bonding may be the perfect treatment for you. Unlike most dental procedures, cosmetic bonding is not used to treat any major dental problem. Yes, it offers a solution for minor damage or gaps in the teeth, but it is mostly recommended for cosmetic purposes.
Cosmetic bonding is one of the most important cosmetic dental treatments. It can be used for filling chips, fractures, or gaps between teeth, as well as for fixing teeth discoloration. Cosmetic bonding can also be used to make teeth look longer or change the shape of teeth. It will not only restore the original appearance of teeth but will improve them in many ways.
Cosmetic bonding is often offered as a private service. At Glenbrook, it is one of the procedures Dr. Park can use to help you get the smile you desire.
Do you want to learn more about Cosmetic bonding and what you should expect when you decide to get it? You are at the right place. We will cover everything you need to know about the procedure right here. At the end of this guide, you will not only know what to expect but also how to take care of your teeth after cosmetic bonding.
What Is Cosmetic Bonding?
Cosmetic bonding is a cosmetic dental procedure in which a tooth-colored resin material is applied to the tooth and hardened with a special light. The composite material can be applied to a single tooth or many teeth and will ultimately bond to the tooth/teeth to restore or improve a person’s smile.
Cosmetic bonding is also called tooth bonding, composite bonding, or dental bonding. It is primarily designed to improve the appearance of the teeth and enhance your overall smile. In dentistry, it is regarded as a perfect solution for minor damage or gap in teeth. It can conveniently treat teeth that are cracked, chipped, broken, stained, or have gaps between them.
Cosmetic bonding is one of the quickest restorative dental processes you can undergo. At our Glenbrook clinic, it requires minimal preparation and can be completed within an hour. Dr. Park will ascertain whether you are a suitable candidate for cosmetic bonding before discussing the procedure and getting on with it.
What Is Cosmetic Bonding Used For?
As we have severally mentioned already, cosmetic bonding is used to correct minor damages and other tooth appearance issues that don’t necessarily require more invasive procedures. It is considered a viable option for the following purposes:
- To repair a chipped, cracked, or broken tooth.
- To improve the appearance of discolored teeth.
- To close spaces between teeth.
- To make teeth look longer.
- To change the shape of teeth.
- To protect a portion of a tooth’s root that has been exposed by gum recession.
- As a cosmetic alternative to amalgam fillings.
- As a part of restorative treatments for decayed teeth.
Are You A Good Candidate For Cosmetic Bonding?
Cosmetic bonding is considered ideal for dental patients with a range of mild concerns. You may need the procedure if you have crooked teeth, cracked teeth, mishappen teeth, short teeth, stained teeth, teeth that are worn down by grinding, and teeth with unwanted gaps between them.
While the conditions mentioned above will put you in the category of people who may need the procedure, the concerns alone do not qualify you as a suitable candidate for the procedure. You need to have an otherwise healthy mouth to consider yourself a good candidate for the procedure. If you have a serious underlying dental issue, our dentist will recommend treating the bigger issue first.
It is impossible to conclude that you are a good candidate for cosmetic bonding or that you are not an ideal candidate when you have not had a consultation with an experienced dentist. At our Glenbrook clinic, Dr. Park will get relevant information from you and then examine your mouth to determine if you are a good candidate for dental bonding. If after the consultation it is confirmed that you are a good candidate, things can happen pretty fast, and you will leave our clinic with the smile you desire.
What Are The Major Benefits Of Getting Cosmetic Bonding?
As the name clearly suggests, cosmetic bonding is a cosmetic dental procedure. What that means is that its primary concern is to address appearance issues. Aesthetic appeal is often the target when cosmetic bonding is recommended. If you are searching for the perfect smile, then cosmetic bonding can offer you so many benefits.
Here are some of the significant benefits you can expect from cosmetic bonding:
- It restores and improves the appearance of your teeth while making them look as natural as possible.
- It is a minimally invasive procedure that can be done quickly without causing any further damage to your teeth.
- It can address a wide range of aesthetic dental concerns, improving so many aspects of your teeth in one treatment.
- It is a fast and effective cosmetic dental treatment that can be completed in just one visit to our dental centre.
- It is one of the most affordable cosmetic treatments and far more affordable than most other dental procedures.
- It offers long-lasting results that will have a positive impact on several aspects of your life.
- It is very easy to repair if there is ever any need for that.
- Park uses state-of-the-art materials and equipment to ensure that you get the best cost-effective cosmetic bonding that will stand the test of time.
Of course, there are several other benefits of cosmetic bonding. We’ve only highlighted some of the most important ones to give you an idea of what to expect when you decide to get the treatment.
Are There Disadvantages?
While there are so many positive things about cosmetic bonding, there are a few downsides you should know about.
Staining: The first negative thing to note about cosmetic bonding is that the material (resin) is not fully resistant to stain. Over time, the resin will stain, requiring a repair in the long run.
Durability: The composite resins used in cosmetic bonding are not often as durable as you will want them to be. They can chip and break off of the tooth with time, requiring a repair or replacement.
Application: Due to the limitations of cosmetic bonding, most dentists use them to correct concerns on teeth in areas of very low bite pressure. They are also mostly used for small cosmetic changes and for short-term correction of cosmetic problems.
What Are The Alternatives To Cosmetic Bonding?
The major alternatives to cosmetic bonding are veneers and crowns.
Veneers – A veneer is a thin layer of material placed over the front surface of a tooth to improve its appearance. It is ideally made of porcelain and can be used to correct different irregularities in teeth, including covering gaps where orthodontic treatment may not be suitable.
Crowns – A crown can be described as a tooth-shaped cap that fits over the entire visible portion of a tooth to improve its appearance and also perform some protective functions. Crowns will perform the functions of regular teeth and can improve your smile significantly.
How Does Cosmetic Bonding Work?
Cosmetic bonding works by covering imperfections in teeth. The composite resin is bonded to the tooth/teeth to cover the imperfections and give the impression of a good natural set of teeth. The procedure is done completely in-house, and depending on how many teeth the dentist is going to repair, the entire procedure can be completed in one visit.
What to Expect
If you are going to get a cosmetic bonding treatment in our Glenbrook clinic, you can be sure that the experience will be as smooth as possible. It will start with the initial consultation with Dr. Park. The dentist will examine your teeth to determine if cosmetic bonding is the right treatment for your concern.
Dr. Park will ask you some important questions during the consultation. It is really important that you answer these questions honestly because the dentist will use the information you provide to determine whether you are a good candidate for cosmetic bonding.
Preparing For Dental Bonding
Depending on your unique condition, there may be little or no preparation needed for cosmetic bonding. You can schedule the procedure immediately after the consultation with the dentist. You are only expected to arrive at the dentist’s office with your teeth clean. If you are overdue for a dental cleaning, the dentist will normally recommend that you clean get a thorough dental cleaning before your cosmetic bonding appointment.
You will also go over the color or resin for the procedure with the dentist. Dr. Park will normally recommend a color that matches your natural teeth to prepare the resin.
The Actual Procedure
The actual cosmetic bonding procedure can vary, depending on your specific needs. There may be a need for the dentist to drill out and smooth down your tooth to prepare it for bonding. If this is the case, then local anesthesia will be needed. Our experienced dentist will also use local anesthesia if the affected area of the tooth that needs bonding is close to a nerve. If, on the other hand, you are only getting surface repairs, no anesthesia is needed.
The bonding process starts with the dentist roughening the surface of the tooth that needs repair. A conditioning liquid will also be applied afterward. These procedures are done to help the composite resin bonding material adhere to the tooth after application.
After making the tooth ready, the dentist will apply the tooth-colored, putty-like resin to the tooth. The resin will be molded to the desired shape and then smoothed to get the perfect appearance. Next, the dentist will shine a bright (usually blue) light or laser on the resin. This light uses UVA waves to cure and harden the resin in a few seconds.
After the applied resin has been hardened, the dentist will trim and smoothen it again. It will still be polished to match the sheen of the rest of the tooth surface. Depending on how much repair is needed, the entire procedure can take between 30 minutes and one hour for single-tooth treatment.
Are There Risks Associated With Cosmetic Bonding?
There is hardly any known risk associated with cosmetic bonding as a standalone dental procedure. The chances of any form of complications arising from the procedure are almost non-existent, also. The only instance you can expect some level of risk is when there is an underlying problem that needs a separate treatment before cosmetic bonding.
If there is a need for the tooth to be drilled and smoothen down, then there may be a little risk involved. But when an experienced dentist like Dr. Park is handling the procedure, the risks are reduced to the barest minimum. The fact that the composite resin used for cosmetic bonding is not often strong is another issue you have to think about.
Cosmetic bonding is not the most durable dental procedure. The resin can begin to chip and fall or break off completely if it is put under pressure. If you are going to get cosmetic bonding, it is important that you kick some habits that can ruin them, such as biting your fingernails or chewing on hard objects like ice and other hard edibles.
Recovery
Recovering from a cosmetic bonding procedure is almost instant. It is a really simple procedure that doesn’t disturb your teeth and surrounding area. If anesthesia was administered during the procedure, you might experience some sensations as the anesthesia starts wearing off.
Ideally, Dr. Park will explain the recovery process to you, following the procedure. You will need to be observant to see that recovery is as swift as it should be and that your cosmetic bonding is successful. If you notice sharp edges on the bonded teeth, call the dentist’s office immediately. You should also contact the dentist if your teeth feel unusual when you bite down.
Though it is very rare, it is possible for a new cosmetic bonding to chip or fall off completely. Our patients at Glenbrook never experience this, but do not hesitate to call the dentist’s office if you notice any sign of a problem with your new cosmetic bonding.
How's the Aftercare of Cosmetic Bonding?
To enhance durability of your cosmetic bonding, you will need to take good care of your bonded teeth. But how exactly can you do that?
The first important thing to know about taking good care of bonded teeth is that overall oral health matters most. You will certainly need to improve your overall oral habits to keep your mouth clean and protect your bonded teeth at the same time.
You will need your bonded teeth the same amount of care you give your natural teeth. As stated earlier, they are prone to staining, so you may have to watch how often you consume substances that are known to stain teeth. Tea, coffee, wine, and cigarette are the biggest culprits. Avoid these substances as much as possible. It is particularly important to completely avoid anything that can stain your new cosmetic bonding 48 hours after the procedure.
Tips on taking care of your teeth after cosmetic bonding
At our Glenbrook clinic, you will be properly taught how to take good care of your teeth after any procedure. If you take every instruction seriously, you will enjoy optimum oral health and overall wellbeing.
However, here are some tips that can help you take better care of your teeth after a cosmetic bonding procedure:
- Steer clear of anything that can stain your teeth (like tea, coffee, cigarette, or any other thing) for 48 hours after getting the cosmetic bonding.
- Brush your teeth as often as you need to (at least twice a day or after every meal) with the right types of toothbrush and toothpaste (the dentist can recommend the best products to take good care of your teeth).
- Floss daily to keep your teeth and entire mouth clean and free of anything that can pose a danger to your natural teeth and the ones treated with cosmetic bonding.
- Avoid biting your nails and chewing anything that is too hard, including ice and pen lids. Composite resins used for cosmetic bonding are not too strong, and they can easily chip or break off completely when they are put under serious pressure.
See your dentist for regular professional dental checkups and schedule dental cleaning when you need it. Seeing your dentist regularly is the only way to ensure that you maintain great oral health and enjoy all the benefits that come with it.
The Lifespan of Bonded Teeth
There are different factors that will ultimately determine the lifespan of a bonded teeth. The most important factors include how much bonding was done and your oral habits. Cosmetic bonding done by experienced dentists like Dr. Park can last for several years.
Our experienced dentist will tell you how to take good care of your mouth to make your composite bonded teeth last as long as possible. Since they are not as hard as natural teeth, you will need to mind the amount of pressure you put on them. Do not bite down too hard with teeth that have been bonded.
You should also know that a badly stained cosmetic bonding will need to be changed. Prolonging their lifespan also entails avoiding foods, drinks, and habits that can stain them.
When you follow instructions and take good care of your teeth treated with cosmetic bonding, you can expect the bonding to last a minimum of three years before needing to be touched up or replaced. Cosmetic bonding that is properly done and taken good care of can also last ten years or more before needing replacement.
FAQs
Q: Can cosmetic bonding correct broken teeth?
Yes, cosmetic bonding can be used to correct a broken tooth. Though it is mostly recommended for minor irregularities like cracks and chips, cosmetic bonding can also correct a broken tooth, restoring it to its natural shape or even improving it. Cosmetic bonding can also correct misshapen tooth, gaps between teeth, and many other dental concerns. The best way to understand if cosmetic bonding is the right procedure for your dental concern is to visit your experienced dentist.
Q: What material is used for cosmetic bonding?
Cosmetic bonding is done with composite resin. This is the perfect material for the procedure because it is easy to mold and smoothen to look like a natural tooth. While the composite resins used for cosmetic bonding are not too strong, they are perfect for this minimally invasive procedure. They are easy to apply and do not disturb the natural tooth or surrounding area in any way. Even when they chip, break off, or get stained, they are easy and affordable to repay or completely replaced.
Q: Where should I go for cosmetic bonding?
Feel free to visit our office, if you’re from Calgary, Alberta. It’s located in SW Calgary around Westhills.
Here’s a link to open up Google Maps directions to our office: Click Here
Our address is #204, 3715 51st St SW, Calgary Alberta.
Q: Is cosmetic bonding a painful procedure?
No, cosmetic bonding is not a painful procedure at all. In fact, a simple cosmetic procedure doesn’t require any form of anesthesia. Even in instances where the tooth has to be trimmed to make it ready for cosmetic bonding or where the area that needs restoration is close to nerves, local anesthesia will be used to numb the site. Generally, cosmetic bonding is a simple and painless procedure that delivers massive aesthetic benefits.
Q: Do dental examinations cover every aspect of oral health?
Yes, dental examinations consider all aspects of oral health. Your entire mouth will be properly screened for any dental issue, gum disease, or any other type of oral issue. Regular dental checks will even help you to detect other types of health issues relating to oral health in time.
Q: How long does it take to get cosmetic bonding?
Cosmetic bonding is also known to be a pretty fast procedure. The actual time it will take to complete the procedure will vary, depending on such factors as the location of the restoration and the need to trim the tooth to make it ready for bonding. If minimal preparation is required and the tooth is easily accessible, the entire process can be completed in 30 minutes per tooth. It can also take up to one hour.
Q: Is cosmetic bonding an expensive procedure?
No, cosmetic bonding is a relatively inexpensive procedure. It is one of the most affordable cosmetic treatments, especially when you compare the cost to the costs of alternative treatments. People choose this procedure because it is pocket-friendly, painless, and super-simple.
Q: Does insurance cover cosmetic bonding?
As the name shows, cosmetic bonding is a cosmetic treatment. This means it is primarily for aesthetic appeal, and normal medical insurance often does not cover such treatments. Though, it’s worth mentioning that this is one of the more affordable cosmetic treatments available, and there is a chance — if your coverage is very comprehensive — that it’s in fact covered. The only way to be sure is to contact your insurance, or call us for more information.
Q: Is cosmetic bonding a safe procedure?
Yes, cosmetic bonding is a very safe procedure. In fact, it is one of the safest dental procedures, especially when it is conducted by an experienced dentist like Dr. Park. There are almost zero risks, and the chances of complications are almost non-existent.
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