Cosmetic bonding is one of the most easily affordable and useful of the cosmetic dentistry procedures. It has a wide variety of uses but is particularly useful for the repair of cracked, chipped or broken teeth. It can also be used, however, for the cosmetic improvement of worn, unevenly spaced or discoloured teeth. Also known as dental bonding, it has also, in the last twenty years, replaced silver amalgam fillings as the most common form of cavity repair material.
Composite bonding is made from resin that can be mixed up to most closely resemble the colour of the patient’s teeth. Unlike some of the more complex dental substitutes like crowns and veneers, it does not need to be manufactured in laboratory conditions and can be mixed up by the dentist just prior to application. This greatly reduces the cost of dental bonding as well as overall treatment time. Most cosmetic bonding procedures can be carried out in only one visit to the dentist. However, if the area that needs to be bonded includes two or more teeth, it may require further appointments to allow the composite resin to dry before further application.
Cosmetic bonding is also a relatively pain-free for of treatment. In fact, unless it is being applied to a particularly sensitive area, such as an exposed cavity, it is likely to be without any real degree of discomfort for the patient and will rarely require any form of anaesthetic.
Bonding is very versatile and durable and because of this it is a very popular choice with dentists. It is also fairly easy to apply. The bonding will be mixed up to match the shade of the patient’s tooth before the dentist applies the resin and sculpts it to the desired shape. When satisfied with the cosmetic appearance, the dentist will then use a laser to set the resin. When hardened it is very durable and resistant to staining. In most cases this whole procedure will last little longer than an hour and once set solid, the patient will be able to use their teeth as usual.
If you are suffering form a chipped or cracked tooth, discolouration or unevenly spaced teeth, a Leeds dentist may be able to repair or enhance the appearance of your teeth in only one visit.
Tags: amalgam fillings, broken teeth, composite resin, cosmetic bonding, discoloured teeth