There are many ways to correct the little things you may not like about your smile, such as discoloration, chips, or ridges on the teeth. Tooth bonding is a straightforward procedure designed to change the way your teeth look so you can smile with confidence. New Bern, NC dentist Dr. Stephen Hoard offers tooth bonding and many other cosmetic dental services to help his patients feel their best.
How Does Tooth Bonding Work?
The cosmetic dental bonding procedure is a similar concept to the spackle used to repair walls, but for your teeth. A composite resin that is safe for your teeth is applied to the damaged areas of your teeth and is then shaped and smoothed into the desired appearance. It can even be matched to the color of your natural teeth so no one will be able to tell you’ve had bonding.
Anyone who has minor cosmetic issues with their smile can benefit from tooth bonding. Here are just a few examples of how bonding can improve your smile:
- Fill in chips on teeth
- Eliminate sensitivity from tooth roots that become exposed due to receding gums
- Close small gaps between teeth
- Whiten, smooth out, or eliminate visible ridges on teeth
Tooth Bonding vs. Porcelain Dental Veneers
You might wonder if there is a difference between tooth bonding and porcelain veneers, and there are some differences between them. Bonding uses a soft composite resin that is applied to the tooth, which then hardens. Porcelain veneers, however, are thin porcelain shells that are attached to the front of the teeth. Veneers require the outer layer of enamel to be removed to attach them, whereas bonding simply fills in the teeth in specific areas. Some patients feel increased sensitivity with veneers because part of the enamel is removed, but prefer how it looks over bonding.
Patients who do not want the preparation and long-term maintenance of porcelain veneers often find tooth bonding to work for them. The choice depends on your smile goals, budget, and oral health needs. Dental bonding can be swapped out for veneers if you decide to do so later on.
Dental bonding is a commonly used cosmetic dental treatment that can last for over 10 years with proper care. The same rules of oral hygiene apply: brush your teeth, floss, and avoid putting excessive pressure on your teeth.
New Bern, NC Tooth Bonding
Schedule with Dr. Hoard online or call us at (252) 507-0373 to learn whether cosmetic dental bonding will work for you.