What color is dental bonding? Dental bonding is an aesthetic dental procedure that can improve the appearance of one’s teeth by applying a tooth-colored composite resin material to teeth that have become discolored or misshapen.
Some of the issues that dental bonding can correct include chipping, gaps, or strange or misshapen teeth. The bonds should look indistinguishable from one’s natural teeth.
What Color Is Dental Bonding?
If you’re interested in receiving dental bonding treatment or are just curious about what this treatment might look like for you, take a look at this overview of what the dental bonding process is like.
What Is Dental Bonding Good For?
Dental bonding can be used for many different types of dental issues. In general, most types of cosmetic issues in dentistry can benefit from the utilization of dental bonds. Some examples include:
- Camouflaging tooth discoloration
- Make your teeth look longer
- Change the shape of your teeth
- Close gaps and spaces in between your teeth
- Conceal chips or cracks in your teeth
In addition, the same composite resin that’s used in dental bonding is also used in restorative dentistry. Some of the processes that can benefit from the use of this composite include:
- Replace silver dental fillings with a more pleasing cosmetic alternative
- Fill cavities
- Protect teeth roots that have been exposed due to issues like gum recession
What Happens During Dental Bonding?
Applying the dental bonding composite to the teeth successfully is a multi-step process. The steps are as follows:
- The resin shade is selected by matching it to the natural color of your teeth.
- The tooth’s surface is prepared by roughening it with the proper tool.
- A conditioned liquid is applied to the roughened tooth to help the composite material stick to the surface of the tooth.
- The resin is then applied, molded, and smoothed to the desired shape.
- The resin is then cured with a special light. This bonds the composite material to the surface of the natural tooth.
- The tooth is shaped and polished until it is indistinguishable from the appearance of the patient’s natural teeth.
In most cases, the entire dental bonding process can be completed in just a single session.
Prior to Bonding
Before your dental bonding treatment, you and your dentist will discuss the aesthetic goals that you have for your procedure. X-rays of your teeth and mouth will be taken, and your general dental health will be examined in order to ensure that you’re eligible for your procedure.
Patients that have severe tooth decay or other more intensive dental health issues will find that they likely will have to treat these issues prior to receiving dental bonding treatment.
After Dental Bonding
After dental bonding, proper oral hygiene is required in order to keep your mouth healthy. Brushing and flossing regularly should help to ensure that you’re able to maintain the results of your dental bonding procedure for a longer period of time.
In addition, you should schedule regular dental check-ups and cleanings with your dentist in order to maintain the general appearance of your new results. In general, well-cared-for dental bonds can be expected to last between three and ten years.
Dental Bonding vs. Veneers
Some patients might wonder if they should receive dental bonds or veneers. Porcelain veneers are custom-made shells that are made from ceramic porcelain. For it to be installed, your dentist needs to remove some enamel from your natural teeth. Once placed, porcelain veneers are not reversible. In addition, they must be replaced every 10 to 20 years.
Dental bonding is generally considered to be a much less intensive process and one that does not require significant enamel removal. This makes dental bonding completely reversible. However, to keep the appearance and durability of your bonds up, you’ll likely need to return for a touch-up approximately every 10 years.
Advantages of Dental Bonding
There are many advantages to dental bonding that make it a safe and effective option for most patients. Some of the reported advantages of dental bonding include:
- Minimally invasive
- Versatility
- Fast and Convenient
- Cost-effective
If you’re interested in receiving dental bonding, there’s a strong chance that it will be the easiest path forward for whatever your dental health and aesthetic desires are. Discussing the details with your dentist before treatment should result in a solid plan forward.
The Top Dentist in Pomona
Dental Care of Pomona offers all of its patients top-notch dental work across needs. If you’re interested in learning more about dental implants and whether they might work for you, contact our dentist today to schedule an appointment.