If you're dissatisfied with the appearance of your teeth due to misalignment, chips, cracks, or other defects, then dental bonding might help to restore your smile. Cosmetic bonding is one of the simplest and most affordable methods for enhancing the appearance of your teeth, but it's not suitable for everyone. How do you know if you're a good candidate for dental bonding in West Los Angeles?
What Is Dental Bonding?
Similar in appearance to dental veneers, dental bonding is a thin layer of tooth-colored resin that's applied to the front surface of one or more of your teeth. Even though it's a very thin layer, it can cover many flaws and imperfections and provide you with the gleaming white, flawless teeth that are so popular. The resin covering is permanently cemented to your teeth and when the resin cures, it is very hard and durable and looks and functions like your natural teeth.
Can Dental Bonding Work For All Of My Teeth?
Many dentists recommend using bonding for the front teeth because they're not heavily involved in chewing and biting. Since bonding is primarily a cosmetic procedure, it's not recommended for certain types of teeth such as molars.
What Type Of Procedures Are Involved In Dental Bonding?
The dental bonding procedure is relatively simple and painless and can often be completed in one office visit. The steps are as follows:
- Your prosthodontist will match your composite resin to the color of your natural teeth.
- We'll roughen the surface of the teeth that are involved and then apply a conditioner to them.
- We'll apply the resin, mold it to your teeth, and smooth the surface to the appropriate shape.
- We'll use a special light that will cure the resin and bond it to your teeth.
- Your prosthodontist will trim the resin and shape it, then polish it to the same gloss as your natural teeth.
What Are The Advantages Of Dental Bonding?
- One of the major advantages of dental bonding is that it usually requires no anesthetic, which makes it ideal for many people.
- Other types of cosmetic procedures, such as veneers and crowns, must be fabricated in a lab and require multiple office visits and a significant investment of time. Dental bonding usually requires only one office visit and a couple of hours.
- Bonding requires removal of significantly less tooth enamel than veneers and crowns.
- Dental bonding is much more cost-effective than veneers and crowns.
Are There Disadvantages To Dental Bonding?
Tooth bonding has a few disadvantages compared to veneers, such as:
- The bonding resin can occasionally chip and cause a tooth to break.
- The bonding resin isn't as stain-resistant as the material used for veneers and crowns.
- Dental bonding may not last as long as veneers or crowns because the resin isn't as strong.
Does Bonding Resin Require Special Maintenance?
Your dental tooth bonding requires no special maintenance, only the good oral hygiene practices that you normally use. You should brush and floss at least twice daily, and have regular dental cleanings and checkups. Avoid biting hard substances such as ice or using your teeth for anything other than their intended purpose. If your tooth doesn't feel right or if you notice sharp edges on a tooth that's been bonded, then call your prosthodontist promptly.
How Long Does Bonding Last?
With good oral hygiene and proper care, your dental bonding can last from 3 to 10 years before it needs any maintenance. The better care they receive, the longer they'll last.
Where Can I Find Tooth Bonding In West Los Angeles?
If you're interested in the cosmetic dental bonding procedure, then call Arman Torbati DDS before you call anyone else. Dr. Torbati has been in practice for more than two decades and is a graduate of both Harvard and USC. He's a clinical associate professor of dentistry at USC and is considered to be one of the best in the West Los Angeles area. Call us today at 310-553-3428 to schedule a consultation for tooth bonding in the West Los Angeles area. We look forward to speaking with you.