Fixing gaps between your teeth with dental bonding
Recent statistics show that up to 25% of Americans have a gap between their front teeth. This gap, also known as a diastema, is more common than you think. Individuals with diastema are often frustrated and have little hope for how they can change the appearance of their smile. Fortunately, there are options available, including cosmetic dental bonding. Sure, you may have heard before of dental bonding being used to treat small chips or cracks in teeth. But, you may be wondering how can it be used to fix diastema? Here is more information on how dental bonding can be used to minimize and repair unwanted gaps or space between teeth.
What is dental bonding?
Dental bonding is a cosmetic procedure where tooth-colored composite is applied to the teeth. Once the composite is applied, the dentist will use some craftsmanship to sculpt the putty to the desired shape and size to fill or minimize gaps. The dental bonding procedure is non-invasive, relatively quick, and pain-free. Additionally, the procedure can usually be completed in just one visit to the dentist.
Steps to applying the bonding composite
The dental bonding procedure is quick and straightforward with just a few simple steps, including:
- First, the dentist will select a composite putty that matches the shade of the natural teeth.
- Next, the tooth will be prepared, including re-surfacing to help ensure the bonding will adhere. This may require etching to make the surface rougher.
- The bonding composite is then applied and sculpted onto the teeth. This makes the bonding procedure a customized approach.
- Once the dentist feels good about the appearance of the bonding, they will use a UV light or laser to harden the composite.
- After the bonding has hardened, the surface will be polished and smoothed to match the nearby teeth.
Who should get bonding?
Determining if dental bonding is for you may require some consideration. Depending on the extent of the space between your teeth, bonding may not be the only treatment available to repair your diastema. In fact, if you have other gaps or misalignment, seeing an orthodontist to discuss treatment options may be the best place to start. To determine if cosmetic bonding is right for you, you should have a conversation with your dentist at your next exam. If your dentist suggests that bonding is a good treatment option, you should still consider some other important factors including:
- Dental bonding is susceptible to staining from coffee or cigarettes.
- Bonding composite is not as durable as some alternative options, such as porcelain veneers.
- Individuals who bite their fingernails or grind their teeth may have issues with their bonding remaining intact.
If you have diastema and have always wanted to change the appearance of your smile, you should have a discussion with your dentist to help you determine if dental bonding is right for you. You may have not realized it before, but dental bonding is an easy, affordable, and non-invasive solution to help fix simple cosmetic issues such as unwanted gaps between teeth.
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