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Cosmetic
Dentistry
A. Cosmetic
Bonding
B. Veneer
C. Your Child's Smile
What
Is Composite Bonding?
Composite bonding is a conservative, versatile and affordable way to aesthetically
restore a multitude of dental cases. The dentists use this natural-looking,
synthetic material to:
- Restore
cavities in front and back teeth
- Replace
old or unattractive "silver fillings"
- Repair
root abrasion, particularly on roots exposed by gum recession or notched
by years of aggressive brushing. Covering these areas helps prevent
cavities and root sensitivity, and improves appearance.
- Close
spaces between the teeth
- Restore
chipped or fractured teeth
- Improve
or change the color of permanently stained or discolored teeth
- Reshape
crooked or misshapen teeth
How
Is Composite Bonding Done?
Decay, if present, is removed and a protective coating is placed inside
the tooth. Then the tooth is etched with a mild acidic solution. This
roughens the enamel surface and allows the bonding material to adhere.
A shade of filling material is chosen that matches your natural tooth.
This tooth-colored bonding resin is shaped to match the contour of your
natural tooth. Sometimes the dentist uses a special light to help the
material harden. The surface of the composite is then trimmed and polished
to achieve a natural luster and appearance.
What
Are The Advantages Of Composite Bonding?
- Appearance:
The most obvious advantage is aesthetics. Available in a variety of
colors and special shades, composite bonding can be made to look as
natural and pleasing as your own tooth.
- Strength:
Composite bonding, although not as strong as "silver fillings,"
produces a filling that supports a tooth, making it less likely to break.
Unlike "silver fillings" that depend on undercuts to hold
them in place, composite bonding adheres to the tooth itself.
- Tooth
Conservation: In composite bonding, only a small amount of natural
tooth structure, if any, is removed.
- Reduced
Time: Composite bonding is fast. The results are immediate. It can
usually be completed in one appointment.
- Economics:
By performing bonding, which is less expensive than full crowns or veneers,
you save on dental bills over the long term. Cosmetic bonding aesthetically
improves inherently discolored teeth and tetracycline stains.
What
Should I Expect?
Because the material used in bonding is more brittle than your natural
teeth, it can chip. Avoid biting fingernails, hair clips, ice, carrots,
peanut brittle, and other hard items. Bonded areas are also more prone
to staining than your natural teeth so it is important to take good care
of your restored teeth at home. Avoid ingestion of staining substances
such as tobacco, coffee and tea. If there is something about your smile
you would like to improve, please do not hesitate to ask us. You can also
email us with your questions.
With today's advances in cosmetic dentistry you can enhance your smile
with cosmetic bonding, and at a fee you can afford. Remember, your smile
is often the first thing people notice about you and the last thing they
forget.
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