Cosmetic Bonding

Find A Cosmetic Dentist to Fix Chipped Or Cracked Teeth With Dental Bonding

The term "dental bonding" describes a dental procedure that is used for various purposes. Tooth-colored composite resins are applied to teeth for cosmetic reasons, to repair cracked and chipped teeth, protect exposed tooth roots against decay, or restore decayed teeth.

What Are Some Of The Benefits Of Dental Bonding?

• For cosmetic purposes, dental bonding can dramatically improve your smile by closing gaps, masking stains caused by coffee, tea, tobacco, or medications as well as repairing cracks or chips resulting from accidents.
• These tooth-colored composites are well suited for protecting exposed tooth roots caused by gum recession. Tooth roots are covered by dentin that is more susceptible to decay. Tooth bonding helps prevent decay in this area as well as eliminate sensitivity to hot and cold resulting from tooth root exposure.
• Since composite materials can match the color of your own teeth, dental bonding is preferred for filling cavities in the front teeth or wherever else they may be visible.
• Dental bonding does not last as long as porcelain veneers, but it also is not as costly.

What's Involved In The Dental Bonding Procedure?

Usually the process is completed during one visit to your cosmetic dentist and doesn't require drilling or anesthesia. First, your tooth is prepared with an etching solution to help the dental bonding materials adhere.

Next, the resin is applied and contoured to the proper shape, then cured with either a special light or chemical treatment. The tooth is then polished for a natural-looking appearance. A follow-up appointment with your dentist may be recommended for additional polishing.

How Do I Care For My Teeth After Dental Bonding?

While the dental bonding materials are very durable, they still can chip and may need to be replaced periodically. Avoid excessive pressure such as chewing ice, hard candy or unpopped popcorn kernels. Dental bonding materials are susceptible to staining from tobacco, coffee, tea and berries. Alcohol and acid-containing foods such as vinegar, tomatoes or pineapple can damage the resin.

Regular dental check-ups are important for maintaining good dental health and natural-looking teeth.

By Danine M. Fresch, DDS

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.

Benefits of Cosmetic Dental Care

Do your looks affect the way people treat you? Positive self-esteem - how we feel about ourselves - is very important to a healthy personality, to happiness, to the development of a positive attitude about life, and to achievement in the direction we choose.

It is well documented that people with a positive "feeling" about themselves do better in school, in business, and have closer, more meaningful relationships.

One measure of self-esteem is how you feel about your physical appearance; or, more importantly, how you feel you look to others. The complexion, teeth, and nose, in that order, are the highest "rated" facial features.

Self-image begins to develop about age four or five. At that age, identity influences other developing traits: social skills, verbal skills, intellect, and the ability to define oneself as a successful person. In other words, at age four or five a child makes a giant step toward "I'm OK, I'm a worthwhile person," or, conversely, toward "I'm not OK." The results can often affect the remainder of that person's life.

Beauty is often more than skin deep, because the psychological damage to a person who feels unattractive can be devastating. Then there's the other side of the coin. Does how we look affect how others treat us?

Indeed. Studies have shown that good-looking people are given the benefit of the doubt over unattractive people. They're thought to be more intelligent, more likeable, higher achievers, honest, and braver than the unattractive. Even school teachers spend more time with attractive students!

Your mouth is important to your total psychological and physical well-being. Is it worth regular dental cleaning and cosmetic dental care? Is visiting your cosmetic dentist and having your broken teeth restored with beautiful dental crowns worth it? Is straightening crooked teeth with braces worth it? We think you'll probably agree, you and your family are definitely worth it!

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.