Advancements in dental technology over the past few decades have made cosmetic dentistry accessible to patients everywhere. One of the most commonly requested procedures is porcelain veneers. Veneers are thin porcelain shells that are adhered to teeth to change their appearance. The veneer process can be lengthy, requiring several appointments to complete. While this may not be a problem with a full smile makeover, many patients only require minor enhancement for a few teeth. For those types of cosmetic correction, we offer dental bonding.
The dental bonding process allows us to make cosmetic improvements to the teeth in just one appointment. They are often called a direct veneer, because the material is first applied to the tooth and then molded into the desired shape and size. Bonding is extremely versatile as it can fix an array of problems including chips, improper proportions, and gaps.
Initially, the composite bonding material is putty-like, which allows for easy and consistent application. It can be color-matched to neighboring teeth and it can even be shaded different colors to ensure a natural result. Once the material is sculpted into the desired appearance, the composite is hardened under a special dental light. It is then polished so that it appears translucent like natural tooth enamel.
Bonding is a great solution for minor problems because it is less expensive and requires fewer appointments than porcelain veneers. It’s also a great solution to address an issue with just one or two teeth.
Caring for your teeth after cosmetic bonding is very similar to caring for natural teeth. Composite is susceptible to staining, so it’s important to avoid or limit consumption of stain causing foods and beverages. Patients should also avoid biting down on hard objects and use a non-abrasive toothpaste.
Make sure to practice proper at-home daily oral hygiene. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once each day. You should maintain your regular dental appointments to keep your teeth looking great and minimize the risk of decay.
If you are interested in cosmetic bonding or other cosmetic dental procedures in our Redlands office, call us today.