Chances are you have dental bonding work in your mouth as part of a more complex treatment, and you might not even know it.
Dental bonding is a handy technique used to repair teeth and improve the look of your smile.
The Basics of Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is made of a tooth-colored resin material. A dentist can apply dental bonding in a viscous liquid solution and manipulate it to the desired shape. Using a special light, the dentist will harden the bonding into a hard surface that blends perfectly with the rest of your tooth.
The Many Uses of Dental Bonding
If you have cracks, gaps, or broken edges in your teeth, dental bonding is a great way to restore your smile. Here are all the ways bonding can improve your smile:
- Hiding stains. Using a thin layer of bonding material, a dentist can smooth over-stained teeth, turning them beautifully white.
- Filling in gaps. Dental bonding can build up the teeth on either side of a gap to fill in the space and make your smile look more unified and whole.
- Repairing cracks. Cracked teeth can be painful and unattractive. Dental bonding can seal the crack to cover your tooth and prevent particles from getting inside.
- Restoring broken pieces. When a tooth breaks, dental bonding can take the place of the missing part of your tooth.
Alternatives to Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a treatment designed for mild dental injuries. If something more serious occurs, another treatment might be recommended. Below are some possible alternatives:
- Porcelain Veneers: For situations of severe staining, large cracks and breaks, and stunted teeth, porcelain veneers are the preferred option. They cover the entire face of the tooth, creating a cosmetic surface that hides and protects the natural tooth behind.
- CEREC Crowns: When teeth are badly damaged by breakage or infection, simple dental bonding won’t be enough. At Daniel Sheridan, DDS, we have beautiful same-day CEREC crowns that can make your damaged tooth whole again.
- Dental Implants: Some gaps are too big for dental bonding. Gaps caused by missing teeth need to be filled by a tooth replacement like dental implants. Dental implants replace the entire tooth, including the roots!
Dental bonding can address many issues. Whether your needs are aesthetic or restorative, Daniel Sheridan DDS has solutions for you.
When Not To Get Dental Bonding
For dentistry, like most things in life, no one-size-fits-all solutions exist. Dental bonding is intended for specific cosmetic and repair purposes. The following are some situations where dental bonding wouldn’t be the right treatment:
- To Fill Cavities: Cavities are not the same thing as fillings, though they may seem very similar. They are both tooth-colored, and both repair teeth, but dental bonding is used for cosmetic purposes and therefore isn’t as strong as cavity fillings.
- To Repair Moderate to Severe Injuries: Dental bonding can’t handle larger injuries. It is usually used for small cosmetic improvements and minor cracks and breaks. Using dental bonding to restore tooth function could leave the tooth weak and unprotected.
- As Dental Adhesive: Dental bonding is different from the bonding adhesive we use to apply braces, dentures, and crowns. Dental bonding is a moldable resin and bonding adhesive is a glue-like substance that holds your appliances in place.
How To Get Dental Bonding
Contact Daniel Sheridan, DDS, to schedule a consultation appointment. During this appointment, you can express your concerns to Dr. Sheridan and tell him of your interest in dental bonding.
If you’d like more information about our dental bonding services at Daniel Sheridan, DDS, visit our dental bonding page or give us a call.
