When it comes to smile restorations, many people think of porcelain veneers, the popular, tooth-colored shells used to correct an array of flaws and defects. But there’s another option — one that takes less time and costs less, yet can still address many of the same concerns: It’s cosmetic bonding, and if you have smile concerns you’d like to address, it’s definitely worth considering.
Minal Patel, DDS, is a leading provider of cosmetic bonding, using the most durable materials coupled with extensive experience to help patients at Park Place Smiles achieve results that look and feel beautifully natural. Here, learn more about bonding — including how it “works” and what it can treat so you can decide if it’s a good choice for improving your smile aesthetics.
Cosmetic bonding is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a durable, tooth-colored resin to cover or repair imperfections. Unlike veneers that require some of your natural tooth material to be removed, bonding is applied directly to the tooth surface, meaning the treatment is completely reversible in the future.
Like veneers, cosmetic bonding can be used to address an array of aesthetic concerns, including:
The bonding material is custom-tinted to match your natural teeth so that once it’s applied, it blends beautifully.
In most cases, bonding can be completed in a single visit with no waiting for veneers to be made in a lab. There’s no downtime afterward, so you can start enjoying a more beautiful smile right away.
Bonding is a simple, straightforward process, and because the bonding agent is applied to your tooth surface, there’s usually no need for numbing, either. First, Dr. Patel gently prepares the tooth surface to help the agent adhere better. She mixes the bonding agent with special tinting to match your natural tooth color.
Finally, she applies the bonding agent to your tooth surface, shaping and sculpting it to match the shape and contour of your natural tooth. Once the shape is perfected, she uses a special light to cure and harden the bonding agent before polishing it for a beautiful result.
Afterward, there’s no downtime, but it’s natural to have some mild sensitivity for a brief period. While bonding offers beautiful results, it’s not indestructible; if you grind your teeth while you sleep, wearing a night guard can protect your restoration and help it last longer.
Bonding material is also more permeable to stains over time. Being cautious when consuming foods or beverages with deep pigments can help prevent discoloration, as can good oral hygiene habits. Many people opt to have Dr. Patel whiten their teeth before bonding (or any restoration) to ensure the bonded tooth matches its neighbors when your smile looks its absolute best.
Improving the way your smile looks isn’t just about cosmetics — it can have a major impact on your self-confidence, self-esteem, and quality of life. From single-tooth treatments to full smile makeovers, we can develop a treatment plan that matches your goals.
To learn more about bonding and the other state-of-the-art cosmetic dentistry options we offer, request an appointment with Park Place Smiles in Glendora, California, today.
