Repairing Your Smile with Dental Bonding

Do you have decaying or chipped teeth? Are you embarrassed to show off your smile because of minor cosmetic flaws? Dental bonding is a common cosmetic dental procedure that can help repair unsightly and damaged teeth.

Dental bonding is a quick and easy procedure that can be done in office with little advanced preparation. Your dentist will first prepare a plastic adhesive that is gently shaped and polished to match the contour of your existing teeth. The adhesive is composed of a composite resin that is matched to the color of your natural teeth. Unless you are filling a cavity, you will not require anesthesia; the procedure is normally painless. Once you begin the bonding process, your tooth will be roughened. A liquid will be applied to prep for the resin adhesive. Then the adhesive is applied and shaped to fit naturally with your other teeth. The flexible material is hardened under an ultraviolet light or laser. Your dentist will then do any remaining shaping or trimming needed and polish the bond. The entire procedure can be completed in less than an hour per tooth.

There are many reasons you may be considering dental bonding, as it has a variety of applications. Most commonly, bonding is used to repair decayed, chipped, or cracked teeth. When teeth are decaying, resins can be used to fill cavities. Even if you do not have tooth decay, you can use dental bonding to change the look of discolored teeth. Bonding resin can even be shaped to close gaps, and lengthen, smooth or change the overall shape of the tooth. Occasionally, dental bonding is done to protect the base of a tooth when gums have begun to recede.

To learn more about how dental bonding can improve the appearance of your smile, contact Dr. Matt VanderMolen today. Call 217-717-4551 to schedule your consultation at Advanced Dental Care of Springfield.