What Is Cosmetic Teeth Bonding? | Cosmetic Dentistry, Wichita, Kansas

Before you can determine if cosmetic bonding is the right solution for you and your smile, it is important to know exactly what it is. Tooth bonding is a cosmetic dental procedure that repairs a chipped or broken tooth, helps with tooth discoloration, and fills gaps between teeth. Unlike crowns used for fillings, the “bond” used during this cosmetic procedure is made of composite resin that attaches to your natural tooth to make it appear new. Bonding works best for patients with teeth who have suffered minor injuries, as opposed to patients with severe damage who may require a dental implant. Additionally, cosmetic bonding is an excellent alternative for patients who aren’t interested in or don’t qualify for veneers!

Unlike other dental procedures, cosmetic dental bonding can be performed entirely in-house at your local dental clinic, with little preparation required before the appointment. Our team at Cambridge Family Dentistry recommends arriving at your appointment on time with your teeth freshly cleaned and flossed. This will help your dental provider evaluate your teeth and select a shade that best matches your teeth to begin creating the bonding resin. If your dentist has to drill out or smooth down the affected area, you may be administered local anesthesia, but if you are only undergoing surface repairs, no anesthesia will be needed. Once the preparation has taken place, the procedure will occur as follows:

1. Your dentist will roughen the surface of the affected tooth before applying a conditioning fluid that will help the resin stick to your teeth.
2. Your dentist will apply the resin to your tooth and mold it into shape before curing it with UV light.
3. Your dentist will finally smooth out and trim the resin until it matches the appearance and feel of your surrounding natural teeth. Depending on the damage of each tooth, the procedure will take anywhere from 30 minutes to one hour for each tooth needing repaired.

When it comes to cosmetic teeth bonding, there are very few risks and side effects associated with the procedure. While allergic reactions to the bonding resin are possible, they are extremely rare, and your dentist will discuss any specific allergies you have before your appointment. Overall, cosmetic teeth bonding is a relatively straightforward procedure and a great solution for minor tooth repairs. Some of the most significant benefits of cosmetic bonding include:

• Cost-effectiveness — While the cost of tooth bonding varies based on your location, the extent of your damage, and your dentist’s expertise, cosmetic bonding is one of the most cost-effective dental procedures available and may be covered by insurance.
• Quick Turnaround — Because you don’t have to wait for a third party to manufacture any tooth covering as you would experience with crowns or veneers, the turnaround time for cosmetic bonding is relatively quick. Once you have an initial consultation with your dentist, you can often complete your entire procedure in a single sitting.
• Healthy and Protected Smile — Because cosmetic dental bonding creates a barrier between the outside world and your teeth, it acts as a barrier between bacteria and your mouth. You will still need to maintain good oral hygiene to protect your teeth against staining, but your teeth will be healthy and protected by the resin!