Dental Bonding
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Dental Bonding in Los Gatos, CA
Dental bonding is primarily a cosmetic procedure used for restoring teeth that are damaged, discolored, decayed, misshapen, or spaced too far apart from each other. It is the procedure of applying a composite resin on the surface of a tooth to enhance its appearance and get rid of the surface imperfections.
At Dr. Mahsa Esfandiari Dental Group, we offer a wide variety of cosmetic procedures, including composite dental bonding. Our team works alongside our Los Gatos patients to understand what they don’t like about their teeth and find the most effective treatments to help them achieve their smile goals.
What is Dental Bonding?
A healthy, attractive smile is an incredible way to boost your confidence. If you struggle with tooth discoloration, slight gaps, or a chipped tooth, the dentists at Dr. Mahsa Esfandiari Dental Group can address these minor imperfections in numerous ways. One of the most affordable cosmetic options is dental bonding.
The composite resin used for the procedure is tooth-colored and can be molded and shaped to the exact form the dentist wants. Your dentist will use a shade guide to choose the composite material that most closely matches your tooth color, allowing the material to seamlessly blend with your natural teeth.
Dental bonding is simpler than many other cosmetic procedures. You won’t need anesthesia unless your dentist is filling a cavity or working near a nerve. Also, bonding does not require multiple appointments.
How Is Bonding Done?
Dental bonding is a fairly simple, in-and-out procedure that can usually be accomplished in one office visit. Your dentist at Dr. Mahsa Esfandiari Dental Group will go over the process with you ahead of time so you understand how composite bonding works, and they will answer any questions you may have. Here is what you can expect:
- Screening: Your dentist will screen the teeth to check for surface imperfections. Factors such as damage, wear, discoloration, receding of gums, and more could affect the bonding procedure and will be taken into account.
- Color matching: Once your candidacy is confirmed, the composite resin will be made according to the color of your natural tooth. Your dentist will use a chart to make sure their choice perfectly matches and is indistinguishable against the enamel.
- Cleaning: Next, your teeth will be cleaned thoroughly to get rid of the microbes and tartar deposits.
- Etching: An etching solution will be applied onto the tooth surface to roughen it. Etching makes it easier for the liquid composite resin and bonding agent to stick.
- Application: After your dentist adds a bonding agent, they will apply the composite resin on the tooth in several layers. While applying it, the dentist will keep the contour of the restoration in check to make sure it doesn’t go out of shape, all while molding it to repair the tooth’s damaged area.
- Curing: The dentist uses a high-intensity curing light to harden the composite resin.
- Final shaping and polishing: Finally, the hardened resin will be shaped and polished to give it just the right form and luster.
What Type of Restorations Are Used for Bonding?
Your teeth are incredibly strong, but they’re not indestructible. Dental bonding is an effective cosmetic restoration that can address several minor dental issues, such as:
- Worn out teeth: Teeth that are severely worn out due to grinding lose a significant part of their crown. They can look displeasing and can potentially expose the root canal to microbes in the mouth. Applying a bonding material to such teeth can restore the length of their crowns and also cover the exposed internal layers of the teeth.
- Chipped/misshapen teeth: External trauma to the teeth can break off a certain edge of the tooth, making it look misshapen. It can also lead to a root canal infection if left untreated for long. Bonding can help bring the tooth back to its ideal shape and make it look and function like normal.
- Cracked or broken teeth: Teeth that sustain an injury due to high-impact forces can end up cracked or broken. This injury can lead to immense pain and inflammation. Bonding helps cover minor cracks and prevent tooth failure.
- Excessively-spaced teeth: Teeth that are spaced too far apart will ruin the aesthetics of the smile. They can lead to frequent embarrassment. The displeasing gaps between the teeth can be eliminated using composite bonding techniques.
Advantages of Choosing Composite Bonding
Dental bonding is an excellent option for numerous cosmetic issues. While the composite resin does present some limitations, your dentist will only recommend this solution if they feel it’s the best option for you. Here are some of the advantages of composite dental bonding:
- Long-lasting: The composite material is quite durable and stain-resistant. It will stay as good as new for a long time if you take good care of the restoration.
- Durable: Bonding helps strengthen the tooth structure by getting rid of the surface imperfections.
- Non-invasive: The natural tissues of the tooth won’t have to be removed to apply the composite resin. In some instances, there is no need for anesthesia.
- Easily blendable: The composite resin used for bonding can be customized to match the exact color, texture, and translucency of the enamel. Therefore, it will stay in disguise against the natural enamel.
Post-Procedure Care and Maintenance
The composite resin used in the dental bonding procedure is not as strong as your natural tooth enamel. To ensure long-lasting results, you will need to take extra care with your dental hygiene. The following care tips will prevent damage to the composite resin so you don’t have to come back for a dental appointment to repair the bond:
- Do not chew hard objects: Avoid chewing on things like ice cubes, hard candies, and pens, as this could damage the bond.
- Durable: Bonding helps strengthen the tooth structure by getting rid of the surface imperfections.
- Do not whiten your teeth: Dental bonds cannot be whitened, so the result will cause a disparity between your whitened natural teeth and the bond’s color, which stays the same.
Learn More About Cosmetic Dental Bonding in Los Gatos
Learn more about how the procedure works and if it’s right for you by visiting our Los Gatos office. Please schedule an appointment online or call us at (408) 371-1070 to have a consultation with any of our Los Gatos Dental Group dentists, and we will be happy to help!
