Is Bonding Right For You?

By Kendra L. Patterson, DMD | Cosmetic Dentist

Jan 11

There’s a name for that gap between your teeth, it’s called a “diastema.” Some famous personalities have actually turned having a space between the two front teeth into a popular phenomenon, but if you’re not a fan of the look, there are ways to fill the gap. Bonding for instance, is a comparatively simple and time-relevant procedure.

Bonding is also used to restore a chipped or cracked tooth. Your dentist can pattern an appropriate composite substance and use a shading chart to find just the right match for the color of your natural teeth. If only one tooth is involved the procedure can be done in about half an hour.

Your dentist will slightly roughen the surface of your tooth and condition it to accept the bonding material. She will then mold the composite to your tooth. When it is applied the consistency is similar to a soft putty but once it is properly sculpted to your tooth your dentist will harden the resin with a light or laser beam. The final step in the bonding process is to polish the tooth to a uniform sheen.

There are some precautions you can take to ensure that your bonding holds up to expectations. The material can be susceptible to staining for the first few days after application. Your dentist will advise you to avoid tobacco products or foods and drinks that are known to stain your teeth e.g., wine, coffee or tea. The bonding material isn’t quite as strong as your natural tooth enamel so be a little more careful about biting down on hard surfaces like ice cubes or hard candies.

Bonding works best for minor repairs on teeth that don’t see a lot of serious biting action. A chipped front tooth, for instance, is an ideal candidate whereas a rear molar might require a veneer or a crown. Your dentist can make this evaluation before settling on a treatment plan.

Dr. Kendra L. Patterson DMD puts the comfort and convenience of every patient at the top of a list of priorities. The office will be happy to schedule your appointment to coincide with your personal calendar. Call us today at 303-722-9504.

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