4 Commonly Asked Questions About Dental Bonding

A healthy smile can help you feel better and more confident. If you are unhappy with your smile and often try to hide it, then it's important to address the issues that are bothering you and try to fix them. But, while some dental problems have obvious fixes, such as malocclusions, misalignments, or missing teeth, in other cases you may think there's nothing to do about your smile. For example, if your teeth are a bit chipped or worn off, can you fix any of these issues? 

Enter dental bonding. 

This is a type of cosmetic dentistry treatment that can help you treat minor imperfections. 

If this is the first time you heard about dental bonding, here's what you need to know about it. 

What Is Dental Bonding? 

As mentioned, dental bonding is a type of cosmetic dentistry procedure meant for fixing minor cosmetic issues, such as discolorations, chips, cracks, and so on. It uses a tooth-colored resin composite to reshape the structure and appearance of your teeth. The dentist will apply the resin directly to the tooth and then trim it, shape it, and restructure it until it fits the natural look of your teeth. 

‍Will Others Be Able to Tell I Have Bonding? 

No, if done by a trained and experienced dentist in South Philadelphia, no one will be able to tell your teeth have been bonded. Dental bonding uses a resin composite that is the same color as your natural teeth and the dentist will trim it until it will match the rest of your teeth. 

How Long Will This Treatment Last? 

With the right care and proper dental hygiene, dental bonding can last as long as ten years. In addition to brushing your teeth daily and going to routine dental check-ups, you should also avoid biting hard foods, biting your nails, or using your teeth as tools. 

Does It Require Multiple Visits? 

It depends on the severity of the issue. Generally, it only takes one visit to receive dental bonding treatment, but if the dentist needs to work on several teeth, then it may require several visits. 

First, the dentist will use a color guide to match the composite resin to your natural teeth. Then, they will shave a bit of enamel off to roughen the surface of your teeth. After this step, the dentist will apply a special liquid to help the composite bond to the tooth. When the tooth is ready, the dentist will apply the tooth-colored resin and sculpt it to match the rest of your teeth.