The cosmetic branch of dentistry has made tremendous progress in recent times. As a result, problems like discoloured, stained, chipped, misshapen, broken and misaligned teeth are easier to solve. Even filling up an unsightly gap between two adjacent teeth is absolutely hassle-free these days. In short, getting a better and more beautiful smile is now easier than ever. Smile makeover treatments are increasingly rising in popularity across every section of the society. The basics of it – as the term implies – improves the appearance of teeth and smile through one or more cosmetic dentistry procedures. A cosmetic dentist works with you based on a unique treatment plan drawn up by the expert. The treatment plan is prepared based on your unique needs and expectations.
One of the utmost popular cosmetic dentistry treatments is tooth bonding. The cosmetic procedure is meant to help your teeth get back its natural whiteness. However, the treatment not only improves the appearance of the teeth but also boosts your confidence level to an amazing level. A composite resin material in the colour of your teeth is applied to one of your teeth to cover up the flaw. The procedure is unbelievably less complicated, as well as much more budget-friendly. It is much easier to get done compared to veneers and crowns that also make a hole in your pocket.
In the following paragraphs let us explore the steps involved in the procedure as well as other relevant facts of the treatment. This information will definitely help you make informed decisions whenever it is required.
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Teeth bonding – what is it?
As mentioned above, this is an absolutely hassle-free cosmetic dental procedure. Usually, it does not require anaesthesia. However, if it involves filling up a cavity then anaesthesia is used. You neither require to visit the dentist multiple times. The dentist consults a shade guide to select the colour of the composite resin so that it matches with that of the natural shade of your teeth. After the colour selection is finalised the surface of the tooth or teeth i8s roughened before an adhesive agent is applied to facilitate bonding of the resin material with your tooth.
To make the cover up even more realistic and convincing the affected tooth or teeth undergoes moulding or reshaping. Then it is hardened by exposing UV ray. If required, then the tooth or teeth are further reshaped but that is done only after the resin has hardened and sits tight in its place.
Why do teeth bond?
Tooth or teeth bonding is mainly aimed to fix or camouflage a defect or imperfection in a tooth. It is also effective at sorting out problems like cracked, decayed and discoloured tooth or teeth. Moreover, it also resolves the problem of teeth gap. This procedure is effectively used to increase the size of a tooth. This procedure is ideal to cover that up to make all your teeth appear to be equal size and shape.
The clinical procedure is pretty fast and involves no down time. If anaesthesia is not applied then you can just get back to your usual chores of life right after the treatment gets over. On an average the time ranges between 30 minutes and one hour to get it done. But of course, complicated cases are known to take more time.
What are the risks involved?
Thankfully the clinical procedure does not involve any major risk. It is important to note that composite resin that is used in the treatment procedure is never as strong and durable as your natural teeth. The resin material may get detached from your tooth surface. But on the other hand, it does not involve issues like breaking or chipping as with crowns, fillings and veneers. A bonded tooth may easily chip away if you chew on ice, pen or pencil. Even nail biting may lead to its damage. When you are bonded, teeth better avoid hard foods and even candy. The resin that is used is neither resistant to stain unlike the ones used in other dental procedures. Thus, your bonded tooth is easily susceptible to stain and discoloration. Avoid drinking excessive coffee and smoking.
How much does the treatment cost?
The cost of the treatment varies from case to case and even on the location of a practice. The extent of your problem, the expertise of your dentist and many other factors come in handy at the time of determining the cost. On an average you have to shell out around 300 to 600 pounds per tooth. The life of the dental cosmetic solution may last anywhere between 5 and 10 years. That is once its life gets over you have to undergo the procedure again for a refurbishment. You should have an extensive discussion with your dental insurance provider before availing the treatment. This is important because many insurance providers consider this a purely cosmetic procedure and so they do not cover the cost.
What happens during the clinical procedure?
The cosmetic dentistry procedure does not require any special preparation. But of course, you have to get assessed by a dentist beforehand to determine whether you are a right candidate. Candidates having severe decay or damaged tooth are not considered suitable for this particular treatment. Those patients need a crown or veneer in place of tooth bonding.
How should I care for the bonded tooth?
First you should know why taking care of your bonded tooth is necessary. Proper care and maintenance extend the life of a bonded tooth to a large extent.
The following tips prove helpful in taking the necessary care:
- Follow the normal dental hygiene procedure – brush the teeth properly twice a day using fluoride toothpaste and floss once
- Avoid foods that are hard
- Avoid candy
- Stop biting nails
- Avoid excessive consumption of tobacco, caffeine and tea to avoid unsightly stains
Cosmetic dentistry experts providing composite bonding in London suggest in addition to the points mentioned above you must schedule an appointment for dental cleaning once every six months. You must see your dentist immediately if the bonding material accidentally gets chipped or broken. The same is applicable if you experience a sharp edge with your tongue at the treatment site.
A natural and healthy smile boosts up your confidence unlike anything else. Thankfully problems like tooth discoloration, gap between two adjacent teeth, a chipped tooth and others have an inexpensive and reliable solution in the form of tooth bonding.
