Transform Your Smile in Just One Visit: The Benefits of Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is one of the easiest, fastest, and most affordable ways for our neighbors in Gambrills and Crofton, Maryland, to enhance the appearance of their teeth. Other types of dental restorations available at Bingham-Lester Dentistry involve “preparing” dental materials outside of the mouth. However, with dental bonding, Dr. Vickii R. Bingham-Lester can apply composite resin directly to the front surfaces of “imperfect” teeth. From there, she uses her considerable artistry and expertise to make your imperfections disappear!
What is composite resin?
This high-density material is made from a blend of resin (plastic) and filler (like silica). It is a safe, metal-free option that can be color-matched to the surrounding tooth structure and neighboring teeth.
How is composite resin used to improve the appearance of your teeth?
After preparing the resin, Dr. Bingham-Lester applies it to teeth with stubborn discoloration, small cracks, chips, and other cosmetic concerns. The material is then shaped to cover up the imperfections underneath it. She ensures the result looks and feels natural before it is bonded or fixed securely to the natural teeth. With these concerns now covered up, your smile is enhanced, all in just one visit!
Can you use bonding to fix a gap between my teeth?
It depends on the size of the gap! For smaller gaps, Dr. Bingham-Lester precisely applies and bonds the resin to the teeth on either side of the gap. The material effectively closes the gap by covering up the excess space. For larger gaps and more extensive misalignment, we can discuss alternatives like Invisalign®, which straightens the teeth without using fixed, silver-colored metal braces.
What if I don’t like the size or shape of a tooth?
Bonding may be right for that concern, too. Just the right amount of resin may be added and shaped to add length to a short or worn tooth, or we can use the material to alter the edges and contours of a tooth that is overly pointy, jagged, or has an otherwise irregular shape.
How do you treat my teeth in just one visit?
As a direct restoration, preparation is kept to a minimum. In fact, we do not need to remove any enamel from the teeth. With veneer treatment, some enamel must be removed to make room for the thickness of the thin shells of porcelain later placed on top of the tooth. With composite dental bonding, Dr. Bingham-Lester simply “etches” or conditions the teeth. This initial step helps to support the strongest bond between natural tissues and dental materials.
Once the material has been precisely color-matched to blend in with your natural teeth, she applies it as a putty that can be shaped. This step is where our dentist showcases her talents, by covering up imperfections in a way that looks natural and is indistinguishable from the surrounding, untreated teeth. Once everything looks and feels perfect, she bonds or hardens the material to the tooth with a curing light. Slight refinements may be made, and the treated teeth are polished to a fine luster.
What are the benefits of bonding versus veneers?
In addition to being a fast and economical alternative, bonding preserves the utmost tooth structure. Due to the enamel remaining intact, the risk of sensitivity is avoided. The process is completely comfortable. With that said, veneers are known to be particularly durable and to get a result that most closely mimics the appearance of natural enamel. The porcelain used to make veneers also resists staining well.
We look forward to discussing these and other possibilities to enhance your smile during a consultation at our office. Call (410) 885-6522 to speak with a member of the Bingham-Lester Dentistry team today.
