Dental bonding is one of the options to create a smooth, even appearance to teeth.

What is dental bonding?
Dental bonding involves the application of composite resin to repair and enhance the aesthetic appearance of a tooth that is chipped, decayed, fractured or discolored. Composite resins are tooth colored and the bonded tooth looks no different from the natural ones. Santa Monica dental bonding can be completed in just one visit. It is one of the quickest and most effective procedures to cover up superficial flaws of your teeth.

Benefits of dental bonding
Bonding is one of the least expensive and easiest dental enhancement procedures. Bonding has both aesthetic and functional applications. The composite resin can be molded over the existing tooth to camouflage surface imperfections such as discolorations, chips, cracks etc. it can also be used to close gaps between the teeth, make the teeth appear longer or even completely change the shape of the teeth.

Bonding is often used instead of amalgam fillings and to protect the tooth root that may be exposed due to gum diseases like receding gums. Bonding can be done without extensive preparation, it is not at all painful. Anesthesia is not needed unless the composite resin is being used to fill a tooth that has decayed.

Dental bonding procedure explained
The Santa Monica dentist will select the color of the composite resin carefully to ensure that it matches with the rest of the teeth. Once both the patient and the dentist agree on the color, the dentist will gently abrade the surface of the tooth to roughen it so that the resin may be bonded to the tooth. The roughened tooth is then coated with a conditioning liquid and this will help the resin adhere to the tooth. After the tooth is prepared, the resin is applied. the resin will be like putty at this stage, which allows the dentist to mold and smoothen it as he wishes. The Santa Monica dentist will create the most aesthetically pleasing shape and will harden it with the help of laser or ultraviolet light.

The next step is to trim and shape the tooth further according to the patient’s requirements. Once the shaping is complete, the tooth is polished to a sheen to match the rest of the teeth.

Dental bonding can be completed within an hour. If you have more than one tooth to be sculpted, you may need to schedule more visits.

After dental bonding
After the teeth have been bonded, make sure that you avoid drinking or eating anything that can stain the resin. Tea, coffee, wine etc. can leave stains and discolor the resin. Cigarette smoke can also leave tough stains.

You will need to brush your teeth and floss them often, in addition to getting them cleaned on a regular basis by a dental hygienist. Composite resin is not as strong as your natural teeth, so avoid biting into hard foods, opening bottle caps etc. with your teeth. With some care, you can ensure that your new teeth can last you a very long time.

Get in touch with Santa Monica dentist to know more about how dental bonding can give you a fabulous set of teeth.