Dental bonding, also known as direct bonding or cosmetic bonding, is a popular dental service. It offers an affordable and fast way to hide aesthetic imperfections in teeth! However, some people are reluctant to get it because they are worried that it might ruin their teeth. Is that possible? You can be sure that bonding carries very little risk of long-term harm to your smile. This blog post explores how this treatment can affect your teeth.
What Is Dental Bonding?
During the dental bonding process, your dentist simply buffs the teeth and applies a tooth-colored composite resin to them in order to hide flaws like discoloration, chips, cracks, and more. The resin is hardened with a curing light, and you can start to enjoy your improved smile right away.
It is important to note that in most cases, dental bonding does not require any significant modifications to your tooth enamel. In fact, it can easily be reversed if you decide that it is no longer right for you. This is in contrast to other popular cosmetic treatments, such as veneers and metal-free crowns, which require a permanent commitment because the treatment process involves the removal of some tooth enamel.
Does Dental Bonding Have Any Downsides?
As long as your bonding is placed by a qualified dental team, you should not be worried that it will harm the underlying enamel. In other words, it will not ruin your teeth. But what about the appearance of your teeth? Can it ruin that? Here is what you should know:
- Dental bonding looks beautiful and natural. High-quality bonding looks just like natural tooth enamel. Onlookers may have no idea that you got a bit of work done on your smile.
- Bonding can stain. Just like natural teeth, bonding can become discolored over time. Therefore, you should be careful to minimize your intake of highly pigmented foods and beverages.
- Bonding can break or come off. Bonding may eventually separate from the underlying dental structure, and small parts of it may break off over time as it is exposed to the pressures of everyday eating.
- Bonding can be repaired or replaced. In most cases, bonding lasts 5 – 7 years before it should be replaced. If you are ever dissatisfied with the way your bonding looks, your dentist can help restore your smile to its optimum appearance.
Is Bonding Right for You?
Dental bonding is a safe and effective treatment, but it is not a perfect fit for everyone. If you want to enhance the appearance of your smile, your cosmetic dentist can help you compare your treatment options, including bonding, teeth whitening, veneers, and more. Once you understand the pros and cons of each option, you can make a well-informed decision about your next steps.
Meet the Practice
The general dentists and specialists in our practice are proud to provide a full range of aesthetic services to patients in our community, including dental bonding, veneers, metal-free crowns, and more. If you have questions about what is involved in any cosmetic treatment, we would be pleased to speak with you. You can rely on us to provide honest and straightforward information. Contact Family Dental Practice of Bloomfield at 860-263-0441.