The field of dentistry has several approaches. Preventative dentistry is dedicated to keeping your mouth and teeth healthy. Restorative dentistry occurs when teeth or mouth tissue becomes damaged or decayed. Finally, cosmetic dentistry is the practice of improving the appearance of your mouth and smile. However, sometimes cosmetic dentistry has restorative benefits and vice versa.
For example, cosmetic dental bonding is often done when patients wish to have their smile repaired without the look of metal fillings. While the first benefit may be the fact that the bonding is tooth colored and thus nearly invisible to most people, it also offers other benefits such as supporting the tooth.
Dr. Terry Vines of Pure Gold Professionals in Dentistry in Redlands, CA, uses dental bonding to address a variety of tooth problems. For example, bonding can be used to fix chipped or cracked teeth. It can be used to mask discolored teeth or to reshape teeth that are misshapen. Dental bonding can also be used to make short teeth appear longer, to fill in gaps between teeth, or as an alternative to metal fillings when a tooth is decayed.
The process of dental bonding involves adhering a tooth-colored resin material to the weak or damaged area of the tooth. Then the resin is hardened with a special light to ensure that it is secure. Dental bonding is safe, reliable, and long-lasting. Usually the entire process only requires one visit to the dentist. It is affordable and doesn’t require the use of anesthesia in most cases. Additionally, the process requires little or no removal of the tooth’s enamel.
Because the resin is permanently bonded to the tooth the only requirements for care are good oral hygiene practices and regular checkups with the dentist. However, because bonded teeth, just like natural teeth, can be vulnerable to chipping or breaking, it is recommended that patients avoid biting on hard items like ice or pens, using their teeth to open packaging or bottles, and grinding the teeth.
Dr. Vines and his team are experienced at helping their patients find the right treatment or combination of treatments to achieve healthy and happy smiles. If you’re looking for a way to improve the appearance of your smile, call Dr. Vines at Pure Gold Professionals in Dentistry today.