Revitalizing Your Smile: Dental Bonding vs. Other Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures
Posted on 20 June 2023
If your teeth are flawed, your dentist can help. A few crooked teeth, a chipped or broken tooth – these problems and more can be resolved with the help of cosmetic dentistry.
One common approach involves a technique known as dental bonding. How does this process work? What are its main benefits? Are there any additional options to consider? We will delve into each of these questions so that you can appreciate just how far the industry has evolved.
Dental Bonding: A Closer Look
The notion of providing one or more teeth with a proverbial "facelift" has actually existed for some time. The application of a surface bonding material is therefore rather commonplace.
A typical dental bond is comprised of a type of resin that will match the colour and tone of your existing enamel. While not intended to replace one or more teeth, it can be used to address issues such as:
Note that there are also instances when dental bonding will be employed to replace a lost filling, to cover a cavity or to protect the enamel of a tooth from damage caused by receding gums.
It should likewise be mentioned that dental bonding is a reversible process and it is generally a more cost-effective solution when compared to other techniques. Still, your dentist will determine if bonding is the most appropriate solution for your smile.
What Other Cosmetic Procedures are Available?
You'll be quite pleased to learn that other cutting-edge approaches could very well be able to restore your smile.
Porcelain Veneers
Veneers are essentially a more permanent form of dental bonding with a handful of noticeable differences. As opposed to applying a resin compound, veneers are comprised of an entire ceramic "shell" that will be placed over one or more teeth.
Having said this, a dentist will normally have to remove a very thin portion of the existing enamel so that the veneer fits snugly.
Unlike a bonding, veneers are permanent in nature and cannot be easily removed. The average veneer will normally last between ten and 20 years before a replacement is in order. Veneers will look and feel exactly like your natural teeth.
Teeth Shaping
There may also be instances when you are not satisfied with the shape of a tooth. In certain cases, a tooth with improper dimensions can even lead to mechanical issues (such as an uneven bite or a significant amount of mechanical damage).
Therefore, dentists will sometimes choose to reshape the tooth in question. This procedure involves shaving off a portion of its outer enamel. This is a non-invasive technique and results can be seen immediately.
Tooth Whitening
Tooth whitening is preferred by many individuals due to the fact that the procedure can be carried out within an extremely short period of time and that the results will be immediately visible.
First, the dentist will place a gel over the surface of your teeth. A special type of light then activates a bleaching agent found within the gel. Still, not everyone is a candidate for tooth whitening. Factors will often include the condition of your teeth as well as other other options (such as bonding) may provide more practical long-term solutions.
Dental Crowns
Crowns will be used to address major issues associated with a tooth. Common examples include severe cracks, missing portions, extreme decay, root canals, and large fillings. Sometimes known as caps, dental crowns are quite commonplace and they can last for decades at a time if cared for properly. There are even times when a crown may be employed in order to reshape a tooth (such as if significant gaps are found on either side).
Orthodontic Procedures
Let's also not fail to mention that orthodontics play a crucial role in the field of cosmetic dentistry. While traditional braces are still utilised, there are some other modern options to mention.
For example, the Invisalign system involves the use of clear plastic trays as opposed to highly visible wires and brackets. Lingual braces instead place the brackets and wires on the reverse side of the teeth; allowing them to be hidden from sight.
The latter two options are often preferred by those who are concerned about the appearance of their smile while the treatment is taking place. Your orthodontist can determine which solution is the most appropriate for you.
Dental Implants
Implants are typically reserved for situations when a tooth has been lost or otherwise damaged to the point that superficial repairs are not sufficient.
In this case, you will first be fitted with a titanium anchor that is permanently inserted into the jawbone. An artificial tooth is then affixed to this anchor.
Note that implants may also serve as a foundation for other cosmetic treatments such as bridges and crowns. However, only those with a sufficiently dense jawbone will be approved for implants.
Final Thoughts
We can now see that there are many unique ways in which you can enhance the appearance of your smile. As we are only provided with a single set of teeth, such investments can provide truly life-changing benefits!
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