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As much as we all would like to have perfect teeth, no one really does. Throughout our lives, our teeth are affected by a variety of factors including the quality of our dental hygiene, the foods we eat, injuries or accidents, and the normal aging process.

Fortunately, there are ways to improve the appearance and function of teeth that are decayed, chipped, cracked, or discolored. One of them is a process known as dental bonding or tooth bonding.

Tooth bonding is the application of a material – such as a composite resin (plastic) – to the surface of the tooth. This serves as a faster, less costly alternative to dental veneers, which require molds to be made of the teeth and are made of porcelain.

How Does Tooth Bonding Work?

First, your dentist chooses a shade of resin that closely matches the natural shade of your teeth so that the finished result looks as genuine as possible – and so the teeth with bonding match the teeth without bonding.

Next, the dentist roughens the surface or outer enamel of the tooth so that the resin will better adhere.

Once the tooth has been prepared, the dentist applies the bonding material to each tooth being bonded. Your dentist will shape it to look and feel natural, and they will then use a special light to set and harden the bonding material.

After the resin hardens, the dentist polishes the material to give it the same appearance as the rest of your teeth.

In most cases, the bonding process doesn’t require anesthesia, and it is usually completed in a single office visit. This is what makes bonding more convenient than veneers, which require more time to prepare and a second visit to place them.

Why Should I Have Bonding on My Teeth?

Dentists and their patients may choose bonding to help fix a number of dental issues. It is often effective in correcting chipped teeth or enlarging a tooth that is considerably smaller than the others. Bonding can also help:

• Fill large spaces between your teeth
• Serve as a cosmetic alternative to amalgam fillings
• Brighten teeth that are severely discolored
• Protect a portion of the tooth’s root that is exposed due to receding gums

Alternatives to Dental Bonding

Of course, there are other options besides dental bonding. While bonding can be a permanent solution for chipped, discolored, or misshapen teeth, some patients use it merely as a transitional treatment while waiting for another option, such as veneers.

Veneers are thin layers of porcelain that are applied to the front of your natural teeth to correct their color or shape. Veneers cost more than bonding; but unlike bonding, they are stain-resistant and tend to be more durable, usually lasting at least 15 to 20 years.

Experienced Dentist in Broward County

If you notice a crack, chip, or discoloration on any of your teeth, call the office of Dr. Ernie Soto. Dr. Soto serves patients of all ages in Broward County and provides comprehensive care for all your dental needs. What’s more, Dr. Soto specializes in cosmetic and implant dentistry.

So, call (954) 368-6264 today or fill out our easy-to-use online appointment request form to get started. We provide a full range of dental services to help you maintain your best possible smile!