Dentistry: It's More Than Drilling and Filling

Are you unhappy with the look of your smile? You may have a tooth that is cracked, slanted, or discolored in a way that is extremely noticeable. Dental bonding is a method that you can use to help cover up those imperfections and improve your smile for the better. Here is what you can expect when you have a dental bonding procedure done. 

The Consultation

Everything starts with receiving a consultation from your dentist. They'll examine the problems with your teeth and discuss if dental bonding is a solution that could work for you. You may discover that the problem you have is too big and cannot be fixed with dental bonding, and potentially seek an alternative cosmetic treatment from the dentist.

The Lack of Anesthesia 

A huge reason that people use dental bonding is that it lacks the need for anesthesia in most situations. If the teeth do not need to be reduced inside and the dentist is simply applying a tooth-colored resin to the surface, then you don't need to go through the process of making your mouth numb to have dental work done. This can make the entire procedure minimally invasive and hassle-free since you don't have to deal with a numb mount afterward. 

The Color Matching

The dentist will take the time to ensure that the resin matches the color of your existing teeth. This will help it all blend together so that it matches seamlessly. Others won't be able to tell where the resin ends and the natural teeth begin, because the color will match your natural smile

The Surface Preparation

A small amount of preparation will need to be done to your teeth for the resin to stick to it. This involves using a phosphoric acid solution to essentially roughen the surface of your teeth. The texture created will help all the resin adhere to the surface in a secure way so that it lasts a long time.

The Resin Application

The resin can now be applied to your teeth, which is a soft and malleable material when it is initially applied. The dentist will need to take the time to carefully shape the material into a form that looks like a natural tooth. It's a skill that should be appreciated dearly because all the shaping must be done while the resin is touching your teeth. It's not the same as when a lab creates a dental crown and it is made to the exact shape of your mouth. 

The Curing

Once your dentist is satisfied with the look of the bonding material, the resin is cured using a special curing light. This will solidify and harden the resin so that it will not move, and become a durable part of your mouth that won't easily come off.  

For more info about cosmetic dentistry, contact a local professional.