Dental bonding, also known as teeth bonding or cosmetic bonding, is a common cosmetic dentistry treatment. A bonding procedure can improve the appearance of your teeth and enhance your smile. Cosmetic bonding can fix many cosmetic concerns that affect your smile.
Horizon Family Dental Care offers teeth bonding in Baltimore, MD for patients. Your dentist can assess your teeth to see if cosmetic bonding is the right treatment for you. The treatment is versatile, fast, and cost effective and offers both functional and cosmetic benefits.
What is Teeth Bonding?
Teeth bonding involves applying a tooth-colored composite resin material to the surface of your tooth. Your cosmetic dentist will then shape and polish it to match your surrounding teeth. Your dentist can apply dental bonding to the back or front teeth.
The resin bonds securely to the tooth, effectively concealing imperfections and creating a natural-looking, seamless smile. Your dentist can use dental bonding to address minor cosmetic concerns. This makes it an excellent cosmetic dental procedure if you are seeking to improve your smile without invasive procedures.
Who Does Teeth Bonding Work Best For?
Teeth bonding is an ideal option for individuals with minor dental imperfections. We often treat chipped, cracked, discolored, and uneven teeth with dental bonding. A bonding treatment can also address teeth with uneven edges and small gaps in between teeth.
Gum tissue also supports your teeth. The bonding material suits people who want to enhance their teeth without extensive treatment. Dental crowns and porcelain veneers are more permanent options that require more tooth preparation. However, if you wish to whiten your teeth, we may suggest professional teeth whitening first.
Your Baltimore dentist at Horizon Family Dental Care will need to conduct at consultation first. This will be to determine if bonding is the right solution for your specific dental concerns.
What to Expect: Dental Bonding in Baltimore, MD
The tooth bonding procedure is simple and your Baltimore dentist can complete it in a single visit that lasts about 30 to 60 minutes. The dentist will start by selecting a resin color that closely matches your natural tooth color. Then the dentist will roughen up the surface of the tooth slightly and apply a conditioning liquid. This helps the bonding material adhere to the tooth more effectively.
Once your tooth is ready, your dentist will apply the putty-like resin material to your tooth. They will mold, shape, and smooth it to achieve the desired shape. We use a special UV light to harden the resin, bonding it securely to the tooth.
The last step is to apply the finishing touches. Your dentist will polish the resin so that it blends in seamlessly with your surrounding, natural teeth.
The Downside to Dental Bonding
While teeth bonding is often safe and minimally invasive, you need to consider a few things. Bonding material can stain over time. Avoiding substances that can stain it like coffee, tea, and tobacco will prevent staining. This will help to maintain the appearance of the bonded teeth.
Also, bonded teeth are not as strong as natural teeth or dental restorations like porcelain veneers or dental crowns. Therefore, you will need to be mindful of what you chew or bite on. Avoid biting or chewing on hard objects like fingers, nails, pen caps, ice, and hard candy because doing so can chip or break the bonded teeth.
Lastly, dental bonding is not meant to be a long-term cosmetic solution. It can last 3-10 years, depending on which tooth it is on and oral habits. Most dentists consider it a temporary to medium-term solution; however, it is more cost-effective and less invasive.
Taking Care of Dental Bonding
- Oral Hygiene: Bonded teeth require regular oral health care, including brushing, flossing, and routine dental check-ups. If you maintain proper oral hygiene, this will help prevent staining and make your bonding last longer.
- Avoiding Staining Agents: It is vital to limit the consumption of staining substances like coffee, red wine, and tobacco. This will prevent staining of the bonding material.
- Regular Dental Visits: You must attend your regular dental visits. During your visit, the dentist will make sure your bonded teeth are in good shape and address any dental issues in a timely manner. Your dentist will polish the bonded surface during these visits to help maintain the tooth’s appearance.
This valuable cosmetic dentistry treatment can enhance the appearance of your smile. Cosmetic tooth bonding is quick, affordable, and non-invasive. Schedule a visit at Horizon Family Dental Care to learn more about teeth bonding in Baltimore, MD. You can request an appointment online by filling out the form.