Composite bonding – also called dental bonding – is a common cosmetic procedure. It’s more affordable than porcelain veneers, and it can be used to correct a number of aesthetic issues. Today, our Austin, TX dental team explores five things bonding can do for your smile.
Would you like to learn more about dental bonding or any of the other cosmetic services we offer? Find out if you qualify for this type of treatment. Call us today at 512-346-4690.
#1: Composite Bonding Can Fix Chips
Superficial chips in the enamel can detract from a beautiful smile and even compromise the structure of a tooth. Chipping may be caused by trauma, such as a fall, accident, or sports-related injury. Bonding can be used to fill in the voids left behind by chipping, making affected teeth appear whole again. The composite resin is closely matched to your natural enamel for lifelike results.
#2: Bonding Can Conceal Cracks and Craze Lines
Due to normal chewing function, tiny cracks or craze lines may appear in the teeth surfaces over time. In many instances, these cracks are nothing to worry about from an oral health standpoint. However, they can become noticeable as we age. For this reason, many patients decide to mask these cosmetic imperfections with bonding. After applying the composite resin, Dr. Ragsdale polishes the teeth surfaces and makes them shine.
#3: Bonding Can Address Tooth Discoloration
Extrinsic stains caused by coffee, tea, colas, berries, and similar foods and beverages can be treated with professional teeth whitening. Unfortunately, there is another type of discoloration that does not respond to teeth whitening – intrinsic stains. These are caused by genetics, disease, trauma, and certain medications. Because the discoloration occurs deep within the tooth structure, whitening does nothing to address it. However, bonding can cover up the discoloration. Dr. Ragsdale can match the composite resin to your other natural teeth. Sometimes, bonding is used in conjunction with teeth whitening to achieve dramatic, comprehensive results.
#4: Dental Bonding Can Make the Teeth Appear Straighter
You probably don’t think about using dental bonding to achieve a straighter smile. But it can give off that appearance in certain situations. In fact, some dentists refer to bonding as “instant orthodontics”. Because composite resin can alter the size, shape, length, or width of a tooth, it can be used to make a slightly crooked tooth seem more in alignment with the others. To do this, Dr. Ragsdale adds composite resin to the affected tooth one layer at a time, then sculpts and shapes the material to achieve a more balanced look.
#5: Composite Bonding Can be Used to Replace Silver Fillings
Composite resin is the same material used to place white (tooth-colored) fillings. In addition to treating tooth decay, many of our patients choose to have their old silver fillings removed and replaced with composite ones. Dr. Ragsdale can use laser dentistry to perform this procedure, preserving as much natural tooth structure as possible.
Contact Our Austin, TX Practice
Composite bonding lasts five to seven years on average. To maintain the appearance of your smile during this time, consume dark-colored foods in moderation and practice good oral hygiene. To learn more – or to schedule an appointment at our Austin practice – call us today at 512-346-4690. Our team is standing by to answer any questions you may have.
