No, we’re not talking about taking them on a girls’ weekend cruise or quality time. Tooth bonding is considered a cosmetic dental procedure, but can be quite beneficial to the protection and longevity of that perfect smile.
Tooth bonding is simply repairing a crack, chip, or broken tooth using a composite resin that will fill the crack, fix the chip or replace the broken part. It is like spackling drywall, only much easier because you don’t have to do anything!
Why Would I Choose Tooth Bonding?
This would be a good time to revisit the fact that tooth bonding is actually considered a cosmetic dental procedure, except when it isn’t. Insurance companies will sometimes pay for a tooth bonding if the tooth is in danger of cracking or causing other issues that would harm your overall health.
While the enamel on our teeth makes them strong, that same enamel also catches the colors of the foods we eat and the beverages that we drink. And even though it may not seem like a big deal, a chipped tooth means that the enamel is no longer covering a part of your tooth.
Strengthening Weak Teeth
Tooth bonding after whitening can strengthen your teeth. If you have a repair that needs to be done, and you have been considering whitening your teeth, make sure you whiten before you bond.
The reason for whitening before bonding is that the resin used for repairs will be dyed to match your teeth and this is your chance to fix imperfections and brighten your smile all while strengthening your teeth.
Doesn’t Require Multiple Visits
Tooth bonding can be completed in one visit. So if time or time off from a job is an issue, tooth bonding is the simple answer.
Tooth bonding doesn’t require anesthesia in most cases unless the repair is near a nerve or you also have a filling. The resin is matched to the current color of the tooth, the area where it is applied is roughed up a bit, the bonding agent is applied, and then the composite resin is applied and molded.
Virtually Risk-Free
Unlike veneers, composite resin can be replaced. So if you chip the same tooth in the same place, you don’t have a steep investment to replace that tooth.
The dentist will not have to grind your tooth down as they do for other procedures.
No anesthesia is required.
Composite resin is substantial, strong, and can easily be replaced in a short amount of time.
Dental without the Mental
So, tooth bonding addresses a plethora of issues. The most important one is that you can rest assured there is nothing to fear from tooth bonding.
This is an easy, one-stop procedure and an economical means of fixing a tooth or your entire smile, so anxiety and fear in all forms can be assuaged.
Isn’t it time that you and your dentist bonded? Why not do it over a tooth?