If you want a non-invasive way to alter your smile as a New Year’s Resolution, talk to your dentist about cosmetic tooth bonding. Tooth bonding is a type of cosmetic resin that your dentist can use to reshape and restore your smile. Because it is a flexible resin, your dentist can utilize it in a variety of ways. In just one dental appointment, your dentist can give you a whiter, more even smile.
Teeth Whitening
A whiter, brighter smile is on the list for many people. That is why at-home whitening treatments are so popular. With a quick trip to the store or a click of a button, you can choose between hundreds of different whitening products, from strips to LED lights. You can even talk to your dentist about a professional whitening treatment. However, chemical whitening treatments are not for everyone.
There are some dental conditions that cause chemical whitening treatments to be ineffective. Normally, chemicals like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide break down stains. This means that the chemicals will break down surface stains or those caused by diet or oral hygiene. Depending on the selected treatment, it will quickly lift the color of the stains in an office setting, or the stains will lift gradually over time.
If you experience dental trauma, you may have stains deep within the tooth. Unfortunately, chemical whitening cannot break down those stains. Another example is if your teeth have changed shades due to medication. Some medications can alter the color of your teeth, making it difficult to whiten them. For these reasons, you can use tooth bonding to camouflage the stains instead.
Fix Chipped Teeth
Chipped teeth can pull focus from an otherwise perfect smile. Many people want to fix small chips in their teeth as soon as possible. Other than aesthetics, fixing chipped teeth can be beneficial to your oral health. When there is damage to the enamel, it can make your teeth more vulnerable. This means that it may allow bacteria to enter your tooth, increasing your chances of tooth decay. Additionally, weakened enamel is more susceptible to wear and erosion.
Therefore, your dentist will likely offer tooth bonding to fill the chip in your tooth. Much like a dental filling, your dentist will shape the bonding to match the rest of your teeth. This way, the bonding will blend and look natural. They will use a special light to cure and harden the bonding, making it stable.
Reshape Small or Deformed Teeth
Another way tooth bonding can transform your smile is to alter the shape of your teeth. Due to medications or poor oral health with baby teeth, your permanent teeth can become deformed before they erupt. This means that you may have teeth that don’t fit structurally or aesthetically. Your dentist can use dental bonding to reshape your teeth.
Additionally, they can use dental bonding to make smaller-than-average teeth look larger. This will help even out your smile.