A picture-perfect, dazzling smile is not possible without pearly white and optimally aligned teeth. This is why people with crooked or damaged teeth are perceived as less attractive and approachable than those with perfectly aligned and sparkling white teeth.If you are also concerned about your facial appearance because of your stained or blemished teeth, there is no need to worry. Thanks to cosmetic dentistry, you can enjoy your dream smile in no time! One of the most popular and routinely performed cosmetic dental procedures is dental bonding which has the potential to completely transform one’s smile.But what is dental bonding and what to expect during this procedure? If you are considering dental bonding and would like to know more about this procedure before you decide, this blog is for you. So, read on to learn everything you need to know about this cosmetic dental procedure.
What Is Cosmetic Tooth Bonding?
According to the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, bonding is a cosmetic procedure in which your dentist will apply tooth-coloured composite resin on your teeth to restore their shape, function, and aesthetics. Dental bonding is one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures worldwide.
What Are Composite Veneers, And How Are They Placed?
According to the American Dental Association, a veneer is a thin shell of composite resins placed on the front surfaces of damaged teeth to restore their aesthetics. While bonding and composite veneers serve the same purpose, their method of fabrication is different. Bonded restorations are placed on crooked teeth at the dental chairside. On the other hand, veneers are prepared in the dental laboratory. Your dentist will make an impression of the prepared teeth and send them to the laboratory for fabrication.
Should I Get Dental Veneers Or Dental Bonding?
As mentioned earlier, dental bonding and veneers are used for the same purpose – to fix crooked smiles. However, they are two completely different treatment options. Dental bonding is suitable for fixing mildly or moderately crooked or chipped teeth. On the other hand, veneers may be a better option when restoring more complex aesthetic dental issues. Besides, veneers are more costly than bonding. So, if you’re looking for a cost-effective option for restoring your teeth, you should consider dental bonding.
How Long Does A Typical Composite Bonding Procedure Take?
Dental bonding is a straightforward procedure that can be completed in a single sitting. Restoring a single tooth with bonding can take around 30 – 45 minutes, depending on the extent of the damage. Similarly, the treatment time may be prolonged if you have more than one tooth that needs to be restored with dental bonding.
How Safe Is Dental Composite Bonding?
If you or a loved one is considering dental bonding, they might be concerned about whether this procedure is safe. The answer is yes. According to Healthline, dental bonding does not carry any major risk of adverse effects.Previously, concerns were raised about the presence of Bisphenol-A, a compound known to cause various adverse effects in humans. However, according to the American Dental Association, there is a minor and transient increase in the blood and urine levels of BPA in patients who receive dental bonding fillings. These levels of BPA are not harmful to the body and return to normal within a few weeks. In fact, most of the latest dental composite materials are BPA-free.So, dental composites are a safe restorative treatment option and you can seek this treatment without any worry of complications or adverse effects.
How Long Do Composite Fillings Last?
Like all dental materials, composite bonding is not permanent. The lifetime of bonded composite restorations depends on various factors, such as the quality of the material used, the dentist’s skill and expertise, and patient-related factors such as their diet and parafunctional habits like teeth grinding.However, according to Healthline, the average clinical lifetime of composite restorations is around 10 years. Their clinical life can be enhanced by maintaining optimal oral hygiene and visiting one’s dentist regularly for checkups. You can also expect a longer lifetime of composite restorations if you avoid strong-coloured foods that can stain the restoration. Unfortunately, stained composite fillings cannot be repaired and need to be replaced.
Do Composite Fillings Feel Like Regular Teeth?
One of the best features of composite restorations is that their shade and colour can be matched precisely with that of the adjacent teeth. Hence, composite fillings blend in perfectly and become virtually indistinguishable. So, aesthetics-wise, bonded restorations appear just like natural teeth.Similarly, bonded fillings are highly polished after their placement to optimise aesthetics and prevent plaque formation due to roughness. This also ensures a smooth finish which gives a similar feeling to that of natural teeth. So, if you’re concerned about the aesthetics of bonded filings, you can rest assured that they will blend in naturally and optimise your facial aesthetics.When it comes to composite fillings, one should visit a qualified and experienced dentist. Why? Because the success and aesthetic outcome of bonded restorations is highly dependent on the skill of the dentist. If you live in Rotherham, the best place to visit for aesthetic dentistry treatment is Fitzwilliam Street Dental. We offer high-quality general dentistry and cosmetic dental services to our esteemed patients at affordable rates. If you want to know more about the pros and cons of dental bonding, we invite you to book a free consultation with one of our dentists. A beautiful and healthy smile awaits you at Fitzwilliam Street Dental.
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