If you have a smile that could use some minor cosmetic repair, dental bonding is a great option that is gentle on your teeth, fast and affordable. But before you book your dental bonding treatment, it is essential to know what to expect from cosmetic dental bonding before and after the procedure.
What is Dental Bonding and How Does It Work?
Bonding is a cosmetic dental procedure used to restore the appearance of your teeth. It is ideally suited to correcting minor cosmetic flaws and works best on your most visible teeth that do not experience high bite pressure. It is also used in cosmetic dentistry to contour and reshape teeth that have become uneven due to general wear and tear.
During the dental bonding treatment, a tooth-coloured composite resin is applied to your teeth to fill in cracks and chips to improve the appearance of your smile. The process is called bonding because the resin bonds seamlessly with your natural teeth using a specialised adhesive liquid and a UV light.
Why Choose Cosmetic Bonding?
If you have chipped, cracked or discoloured teeth, cosmetic bonding is an affordable alternative to teeth whitening, veneers and crowns for restoring the appearance of your smile.
The hardened resin is long-lasting and gives your teeth a completely realistic look and enables them to function exactly like your natural teeth. The entire process can be completed in a single appointment making dental bonding one of the quickest cosmetic treatments available.
Cosmetic bonding is also a less invasive treatment than many other cosmetic dental procedures. It requires minimal alteration to your teeth and will not leave your teeth with any heightened sensitivity.
Before Cosmetic Bonding
Before the treatment, your dentist carefully examines your teeth to check for signs of decay or gum disease. Your teeth will also be cleaned to remove built-up plaque and tartar, which can interfere with the reaction between the composite resin and your tooth surface.
For patients who also have tooth decay as well as chips or cracks, the resin used for dental bonding is also suitable for fillings. In this case, your dentist removes the decayed part of your tooth before applying the bonding material.
However, if extensive roughening or fillings are required, you will be given the option to numb the area.
For anxious patients, we also offer dental sedation that puts you into a relaxed, sleep-like state for the duration of the procedure,
What to Expect During the Dental Bonding Procedure
During the dental bonding treatment, your teeth are roughened with a technique called light air abrasion. The increased surface area from the roughening process enables the resin to bond more securely to the tooth.
Your dentist then mixes the resin to match the shade of your natural teeth. Your dentist applies a phosphoric-acid based gel adhesive which is activated by a UV light. The resin is then applied to the tooth in gradual layers and carefully shaped. The UV light is then used to harden the resin between layers, and the dentist smooths and polishes the resin to create a natural tooth shape and lustre.
Your dentist may ask you to bite down on articulating paper to ensure your jaw and teeth are aligned and determine whether the resin needs additional adjustments.
What to Expect After Dental Bonding
The non-invasive method of applying the resin means that dental bonding has very few risks involved. Some patients may experience increased tooth sensitivity due to the roughening process before applying the composite. However, this is temporary and should resolve within 1-2 days.
If you feel any rough or sharp edges, schedule an appointment with your dentist 1-2 weeks after treatment to smooth and shape the resin further, as sharp edges can trap food between teeth making it difficult to clean and floss. We will also take photos of the final look of your teeth.
How to Maintain Your Bonded Teeth
Like your natural teeth, the composite resin is prone to staining. Avoid consuming dark coloured foods and beverages for at least 48 hours after the treatment while the composite continues to harden.
If you smoke, try to quit to improve your health and avoid discolouration to your teeth from the tar in cigarette smoke.
Continue to practice a thorough oral hygiene routine to protect your teeth from decay and prolong the life of your cosmetic bonding treatment. Brush with fluoride toothpaste and floss twice daily, and continue to visit your dentist for a general check-up and cleaning twice per year.
Final Thoughts
Dental bonding is a gentle, non-invasive form of cosmetic dentistry for correcting minor cosmetic flaws such as a chip, minor gaps, superficial stains, and even a short tooth to give you a beautiful straight smile. Understanding what to expect from cosmetic dental bonding before and after can help you to make an informed decision about your oral health.
This affordable, fast process is available at Bay Dental Studio, where our experienced staff can help you achieve your dream smile. Call us on (02) 9327 6856 to book your appointment for cosmetic dental bonding.
