When patients in the Redlands, CA area are faced with imperfections in the natural smile, they need to work with a dentist who offers a variety of treatment options to choose from. Dr. Terry Vines of Pure Gold Professionals in Dentistry often suggests dental bonding for patients who need to repair specific areas of the smile. This material is versatile and can be used for several different purposes.
Purpose of dental bonding
Here are just a few ways in which dental bonding is used at the practice of Dr. Terry Vines:
- Restoring the shape of a tooth – when a tooth has been impacted and has resulted in damage such as breakage and chipping, the shape of the tooth is permanently changed. A chipped tooth may also be sharp and may cut into soft tissues of the mouth. By using dental bonding, the dentist can reshape the tooth and eliminate this concern in one appointment.
- Disguising gaps between teeth – when patients have small gaps between the anterior (front) teeth, they may feel self-conscious when they smile. It may seem like “overkill” to address these small imperfections with traditional braces. This is when patients may consider the advantages of using dental bonding to place over the gaps and disguise them.
- Fillings – when areas of decay form in the teeth, they need to be addressed with fillings. There are many materials that can be used for fillings, but when patients are interested in an aesthetic solution, they often choose composite resin. This material is the most cosmetic of them all, and blends in perfectly with the natural tooth structure.
- Covering permanent staining – there are times when permanent staining and discoloration can occur on the natural teeth. When this occurs to the teeth near the front of the mouth, it can be difficult for patients to address without the use of expensive options such as porcelain veneers. The dentist can use composite resin, which can be placed on the natural tooth enamel to cover this discoloration and match the existing teeth for seamless integration.
What to expect during a dental bonding appointment
During the visit for dental bonding, patients may have a small amount of natural tooth enamel filed down. Then, the dental bonding is a clay-like material that is applied to the tooth, shaped in place, and hardened with a curing light. Then, the dentist will file it down and polish it, so it looks just like natural tooth enamel. The entire process is done in one visit.
Learn more with Dr. Terry Vines
The team of Pure Gold Professionals in Dentistry are committed to helping patients choose the restorative procedures that are best for their specific needs. We welcome new patients in the Redlands, CA area to book appointments at our practice by calling [phone] and scheduling a visit at our office at 303 Brookside Avenue. Discuss dental bonding and other restorative solutions that can be used to help you achieve the smile of your dreams!