Your smile says a lot about you. It is the first impression you make. One of the most prevalent features of your smile is your teeth. Any flaws in your teeth, no matter how small, can significantly affect their appearance, and the quality of your smile. This can leave you feeling rather self-conscious. At West End Dental, we can improve the appearance of your teeth, enhancing your smile, with a simple procedure known as
dental bonding.
What is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding is a cosmetic procedure that is performed to treat a variety of different minor flaws in your teeth. It can be used to treat
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Small chips or cracks in your tooth enamel.
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Minor gaps between your teeth.
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Teeth that are smaller than the rest or oddly shaped.
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Discoloration that cannot be effectively treated with whitening. |
Bonding is a procedure that uses composite resin to achieve your aesthetic goals. In addition to being tooth colored, composite resin is incredibly versatile. It can be used to fill in chips and cracks, fill in gaps, or even completely transform the size or shape of the affected tooth. Once cured, the composite resin blends in perfectly with the rest of your natural teeth, providing a seamless enhancement to the quality of your smile.
How is Dental Bonding Done?
Dental bonding is a quick procedure, generally requiring only 30 minutes of your time. It is also a completely painless procedure and does not require a local anesthetic.
We begin by cleaning the affected teeth. Next, an acid etch is applied to where the bonding will be placed. The acid etch creates a rough texture on your tooth enamel, which aids in enhancing the bond between the composite resin and your teeth. The acid is washed off and the tooth is dried. We then apply the composite resin to the tooth and shape it to create the desired appearance. Once you are satisfied, we cure the material and polish it, leaving you with a beautiful smile and boosted confidence.
Does Dental Bonding Require Special Care?
While bonding is effective, it does require some special care. Bonding can chip or crack, so it is important to avoid biting or chewing on anything exceptionally hard. Avoid using your teeth as tools. Like your natural teeth, bonding can also stain. Unlike your natural teeth, however, it cannot be
whitened. If your teeth and bonding become stained, your bonding will need to be replaced if you want to undergo whitening. Other than these precautions, you can continue to brush and floss your teeth as normal, and have your teeth professionally cleaned and examined at least twice a year.
What are the Benefits of Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding provides several significant benefits.
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Treatment is quick. Bonding only requires a single visit and can typically be completed in about 30 minutes.
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The process is completely painless. There is no need for a local anesthetic.
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There is no need to alter your natural tooth structure in any way.
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Bonding is one of the most affordable cosmetic dental treatments available.
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With bonding, we can completely transform the appearance of your teeth, greatly enhancing the beauty of your smile and boosting your confidence. |
Dental bonding can correct a wide variety of minor dental imperfections, greatly improving the appearance of your teeth and your smile. Call West End Dental at (503) 446-2957 today to learn more and find out if dental bonding is right for you.
