Getting the perfect smile has never been easier than it is now.
In recent years, cosmetic dentistry has evolved dramatically, introducing new treatments such as dental bonding and veneers. Because the enamel on our teeth is one of the strongest parts of our body, we are able to eat, smile, and even open beer bottles with our teeth, although you really shouldn’t be doing the latter.
No matter how durable our teeth are, they are very susceptible to chipping. Ordinary activities like chewing on ice or drinking from heavy water bottles can easily chip our teeth.
If you have a chipped, discoloured or cracked tooth, a cosmetic dental procedure such as dental bonding will help bring back that great smile.
What is Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a simple procedure where the dentist applies a tooth-coloured resin, which is a durable plastic material, and hardens it using a special UV light, bonding the material to the chipped tooth.
To begin the process, the dentist will use a shade guide to determine the closest shade of resin that matches the colour of your teeth. Next, the natural tooth is roughened and a liquid is applied that will allow the resin to bond easier to the tooth. Once the resin is applied, the dentist will shape or mold the tooth then harden the bonding agent with ultraviolet light.
Dental bonding can be used for several applications, some of which include:
- To repair decayed teeth by filling in a cavity
- To repair chipped or cracked teeth
- To close spaces between two teeth
- To change the shape of the tooth
- To improve the appearance of discoloured teeth
Dental bonding does come with its limitations, so it’s mostly used for small cosmetic procedures and for areas of the teeth with low bite pressure.
Benefits of Dental Bonding
Fixing your smile with a simple procedure like dental bonding sounds great, especially because it’s quick and doesn’t require a more comprehensive approach like getting braces.
Unlike other cosmetic dental procedures, dental bonding is a fast and minimally invasive procedure that does not require the use of anaesthesia. Because the resin is applied directly to the existing enamel, patients will not feel any pain, forgoing the use of anaesthesia.
Once the resin is shaped and hardened, the dentist buffs and polishes the tooth, and ta-da you’re done! If you’re looking for an inexpensive way to fix your smile, then dental bonding is the ultimate solution for you.
This procedure can be done in one visit, with each tooth taking around 60 minutes to complete. With proper care, dental bonding can last several years and can fix your smile without the huge expenses of orthodontics.
Dental Bonding V.S Veneers
Although dental bonding is a great way to fix your smile, the resin material does not last as long as porcelain does, which is what veneers are composed of.
Veneers are incredibly thin porcelain shells that are custom-made to fit your tooth. This treatment is used as an alternative to crowns and can be used to correct the colour, shape, size, length, and alignment of your teeth.
Similar to dental bonding, veneers also mimic the look and colour of natural teeth. Veneers are exceptionally durable, which is great for people who clench or grind their teeth often. With the proper care, your veneers can last up to 15 years, maintaining a clean and white appearance.
Unlike dental bonding, veneers take two or three visits to the dentist to complete the treatment. At the first visit, patients are given a local anaesthetic because the dentist will have to remove a thin layer of their tooth’s enamel in order to make room for the veneers.
Once that’s done, a mould of their teeth is taken and sent to a lab. Since the veneers take a while to be created, temporary veneers are placed on the part of the tooth that was removed. In the next visit, the temporary veneers are removed and a roughing agent is used on the tooth to prep it for the porcelain veneers.
Typically, dental bonding is used for small changes in a rather healthy mouth, whereas veneers are used for more significant changes to a patient’s smile.
Dental Bonding in Ottawa
Are you tired of staring at your chipped or cracked tooth in the mirror every morning?
It’s not too late to get that perfect smile you desire! Our professionals at Skyline dental will gladly walk you through the procedure and address any concerns you may have. We are here to ensure you leave with the best results possible.
Get in touch with us to learn more about dental bonding and how we can help you achieve the lovely smile you deserve.