Can Dental Bonding Help My Smile?

Your smile is one of the first things that people notice about you—so if you have a present flaw in one of your teeth, you’re probably thinking about what you can do to address it! Fortunately, modern dentistry can offer several ways to enhance your pearly whites, one of which is dental bonding. However, you might not be sure about the process and your eligibility for it. Here’s what you need to know.

What Exactly Is Dental Bonding?

Dental bonding is a process in which your dentist applies a natural-colored resin to your teeth to patch over minor flaws that affect its appearance (or sometimes its functionality). The process doesn’t involve much initial preparation at all; your dentist will first select a resin that matches your teeth and suits your smile, and then they’ll harmlessly roughen the surface of the tooth. This increases the surface area used in the bonding process and increases the efficacy of the results. Next, a conditioning liquid is applied to assist the resin, and then finally the resin is molded and sculpted as needed before being hardened with a special blue light. Once the process is complete (usually within an hour), you can expect instant results—just be sure to practice good oral hygiene so your smile stays pristine!

The Benefits of Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is one of the most versatile cosmetic treatments available, and sports many great benefits including:

• It’s an effective solution for minor tooth damage including chips, cracks, and decay. It can also address gaps between teeth, staining and discoloration, and more.
• It’s a relatively inexpensive treatment option ($300 – $600 is the average per tooth according to American Cosmetic Dentistry) and can typically be completed in one quick appointment with virtually instant results.
• Local anesthesia usually isn’t required.
• The resin material being used is bio-compatible and safe for your mouth, and also perfectly matches the color of your natural teeth.
• It preserves the original tooth and its functionality; other treatments (such as veneers) sometimes require your teeth to be slightly altered or diminished.

Who’s a Good Candidate for Dental Bonding?

While there might be various treatment options that can address your dental needs, your dentist will ultimately determine if you’re a good candidate for dental bonding. The primary qualification is being in relatively good oral health, but other than that, you should have a clear idea of your smile goals. If you want to enhance the appearance of your smile by repairing cracked teeth, filling gaps between teeth, or even covering an exposed tooth root, you might be an excellent candidate for dental bonding. However, if your bite is misaligned or your teeth don’t have enough remaining material to support dental bonding, you and your dentist might have to look at different options.

If you’re curious about receiving dental bonding to correct an issue with your smile, don’t hesitate to speak to your dentist about your eligibility—it’s a safe and versatile treatment option that’s capable of doing quite a lot for your smile!

About the Author

Dr. Jeffrey F. Hermen has proudly served patients and families in and around Oklahoma City for over 30 years. Dr. Hermen received his dental doctorate from the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry and is an active member of many professional organizations including the Oklahoma Dental Association. His practice is pleased to offer several available services including dental bonding. If you have any questions about dental bonding or would like to arrange a visit, you can contact Dr. Hermen through his practice’s website or over the phone: (405) 621-2100.