Are your teeth showing wear and tear but you don’t want complicated and expensive dental procedures to refresh their appearance? Cosmetic bonding may be the simple solution for your dental goals. Dr. Ken Schweifler, your Los Altos, CA dentist, explains how this relatively inexpensive and increasingly popular cosmetic dentistry treatment can help you have the smile you want.
What is cosmetic dental bonding?
Cosmetic bonding is a treatment that refreshes the appearance of your teeth, covering or repairing any damage and defects in your enamel. Dr. Schweifler uses composite resin, a soft, plastic-based material, to fill in the damaged areas of your smile. Composite resin is similar to the spackle used in home repairs but for your teeth. It can be shaped to fill in any chip or indentation, making it ideal for treating an assortment of cosmetic dental issues. Once the resin hardens or bonds — hence the name of the procedure — it will not only be as strong as your natural tooth enamel but it will look just like it as well. Dr. Schweifler will choose a composite resin that is colored to match your tooth enamel so that the bonded area is never obvious.
What are the signs dental bonding may be necessary?
Chips in teeth, even small ones, can be noticeable. But bonding can be used to fill in these chips. It can also be used to protect roots of teeth that may be exposed due to receding gums. Due to heightened sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages that can occur without that protective layer of gum tissue, eating can become painful. Covering the roots with composite resin can decrease this sensitivity while protecting the roots.
Maybe you have one tooth that doesn’t look like the others? Sometimes a tooth can be discolored, twisted, crooked, short or oddly shaped teeth but still in perfectly good shape otherwise. Bonding material can be used to change the appearance and color of the tooth, giving your smile a more uniform look..
Cosmetic bonding is also a good choice for filling in small gaps between your teeth. Gaps in your teeth can trap food and cause you to feel self-conscious about the way your smile looks. Bonding is a simple and relatively affordable way to close those spaces and make eating easier.
While composite bonding doesn’t have the longevity of veneers, you should be able to wear them for up to 10 years if you care for them properly. This means avoiding hard candy, ice cubes and other hard or sticky food that can crack your composite material.
Cosmetic dental bonding in Los Altos, CA
Cosmetic dental bonding can give you the healthy, attractive smile you’ve always wanted! Call Dr. Schweifler, your dentist in Los Altos, CA at (650) 489-4620 or schedule online for your consultation. Why not take advantage of this versatile cosmetic dentistry procedure for yourself?