If you’re frustrated by aesthetic imperfections in your teeth, you’re not alone. Studies show that people with dental problems are statistically more likely to report feeling anxious or depressed about their condition or avoid spending time with other people if they’re worried they’ll be judged. Perhaps that’s why an estimated 50+ million people undergo dental cosmetic procedures each year.
Of the many services available, dental bonding continues to gain popularity as an effective but non-invasive way to enhance your smile. Your dentist can use this versatile treatment to address several different issues that might otherwise detract from your appearance. Continue reading to learn about three common problems that dental bonding can address to boost your confidence and your oral health!
Dental Concern #1: Gaps In Your Grin
If your jawbone is overly large or your teeth are too small to fill it adequately, it can expose wider areas of gum tissue. Unfortunately, these gaps are both visually unappealing as well as dangerous to your dental condition. Firstly, they’re more likely to trap bits of food that attract bacteria and contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. Furthermore, you might cut or injure them when eating anything overly hard that can lacerate the tender tissues.
Your dentist can apply color-matched composite resin directly to your teeth in layers to build them up to be the correct height and width. Then, they’ll bond it in place with a special ultraviolet curing light. The end result is a much more evenly-spaced smile.
Dental Concern #2: Cracks or Chips
You might benefit from dental bonding if you have a damaged tooth but want a simpler, more cost-effective restoration than a dental crown. The former involves creating impressions of your teeth to send to a dental lab to create a completely customized restoration that can take weeks to arrive.
Thankfully, minor blemishes like hairline cracks or small chips in your teeth can often be effectively addressed during a single hour-long dental bonding procedure. Your dentist can apply the tooth-colored composite resin directly to your enamel to fill in and mend any injuries, then harden it in place for a long-lasting repair. With the right care, you can maintain the results for 10+ years.
Dental Concern #3: Stubborn Stains
Extrinsic stains in the enamel of your teeth exists in the outermost layer and so can usually be whitened away relatively easily. However, if you have blemishes or discoloration that originated or seeped into the lower layers of dentin, topical treatments might not affect them.
In these instances, your provider can use dental bonding to mask deeply rooted imperfections and restore a flawless smile.
If you’re unsure whether dental bonding is the right treatment to help you meet your dental goals, the best way to find out for sure is to schedule a consultation with your dentist!
About the Author
Dr. Jeffrey Skupny has 15+ years of experience helping patients improve their lives by enhancing their oral well-being. He earned his Doctorate of Dental Medicine from the University of Florida College of Dentistry, and now is a proud member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, among other professional organizations. That means when it comes to upgrading your appearance, he’s an expert who can help. He takes the time to learn about your unique needs so he can tailor services to meet them. Then, he uses state-of-the-art equipment to deliver accurate results intended to last. You can request a cosmetic consultation on the website or call (239) 261-5566.