Dental Bonding and Cosmetic Fixes

Dental bonding is an extremely versatile dental procedure. From cosmetic procedures to dental fillings, dental bonding can fix a variety of problems. Unlike some other cosmetic procedures, dental bonding is reversible. If you decide you are unhappy with the results, your dentist can remove the bonding. This is because dental bonding uses a tooth-colored resin to cover dental problems or alter the shape of your tooth. 

If you have minor cosmetic issues, consider talking to your dentist about dental bonding. 

Closeup of Woman receiving dental bonding treatment Cosmetic dentistry dentist in Washington DC

Whitening

When you go to the dentist for a whitening treatment, you will typically go for a professional whitening treatment. This usually involves a chemical whitening process to lighten the color of your teeth by several shades. However, not all coloration issues are so simple. Chemical whitening cannot brighten some teeth. 

If you have had a dental trauma, you may have deep coloration issues. For example, if you fell off your bike and hit your tooth, the impact may discolor your tooth. This may happen because of blood pooling deep in your tooth or some kind of pulp damage. Either way, chemical whitening won’t affect this discoloration. Instead, you need to camouflage the damage.

Your dentist can use dental bonding to cover up the discoloration. They can give you the bright white smile that you desire. 

Chipped or Broken Teeth

If you have a minor chipped tooth, your dentist will likely use dental bonding to restore its shape. This is a quick, simple process. In fact, your dentist can perform this procedure in one dental appointment. Other cosmetic procedures can take several appointments and potentially weeks of recovery. However, dental bonding can restore the shape of your teeth quickly. 

Fixing chipped or broken teeth is not purely a cosmetic fix. While it does reshape your tooth aesthetically, it also helps prevent future issues. If you have a chip or break in your enamel, it can increase your chances of developing tooth decay. The enamel is the protective layer of your tooth. Any damage allows bacteria to enter your tooth, potentially causing decay. However, dental bonding can retire your tooth shape and protect it from further decay. 

Alter Tooth Shape

Sometimes, you may have cosmetic issues that don’t need intricate procedures. For example, your teeth might be perfectly straight, but you have small gaps in between them, especially your front teeth. Rather than getting braces or clear aligners, you can get dental bonding to fill your gap. 

Another option is if you have teeth that are smaller than average. This can give your smile a “gummy” appearance. A gummy smile is one that seems like you have more gums than teeth. In this instance, it is because your teeth are smaller, which makes your smile disproportionate. Fortunately, your dentist can use dental bonding to add to your teeth. 

In one dental visit, you can have the smile of your dreams.