When it comes to achieving that picture-perfect smile, there are various cosmetic dentistry options available, and one of the most versatile and effective treatments is dental bonding. At Encinitas Family Dentistry, we understand the importance of small details. In some scenarios, dental bonding can play a significant role in helping our patients achieve a great smile by making slight changes to specific teeth. Closing tooth gaps and addressing minor imperfections like chipped teeth is easy with this non-invasive cosmetic treatment.
What is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding is a minimally invasive cosmetic dentistry procedure. Your treatment involves our Encinitas dentist shaping a tooth-colored resin material over certain areas of specific teeth. This resin is then carefully sculpted, shaped, and polished by Dr. Skeens to blend in with the surrounding tooth structure, improving its appearance.
Cosmetic bonding is a popular choice for quickly treating small aesthetic dental issues, including closing gaps between teeth and repairing minor chips and cracks.
Dental Bonding for Gaps Between Teeth
Tooth gaps, also known as diastema, can be a source of self-consciousness depending on their size. Whether it’s a small gap between your front teeth or more substantial spacing issues, dental bonding offers a fantastic solution. The process is straightforward and typically requires just one visit to our Encinitas dental office.
Here’s what you can expect:
Consultation: The journey begins with a consultation with our experienced cosmetic dentist, who will carefully assess your teeth and discuss your goals. Dr. Skeens will confirm whether or not your teeth qualify for bonding.
Preparation: In most cases, little to no tooth preparation is required for cosmetic bonding. Dr. Skeens typically cleans and lightly buffs the tooth to prepare it, so numbing is rarely needed.
Bonding: Dr. Skeens will select a shade of resin that closely matches your natural teeth to ensure a seamless blend. The resin is then applied to the teeth and shaped to close gaps or recreate the tooth surface. A special light is used to cure and bond the material into place.
Dental bonding for closing tooth gaps is an excellent option because it provides immediate results without the need for extensive treatment. It’s a conservative and cost-effective approach that can make a significant difference in your smile.
Dental Bonding for Chipped Teeth
Chipped teeth can result from accidents, injuries, or even everyday wear and tear. Depending on the size and location of the chipped enamel, bonding over them may be preferred to a crown or veneer.
Caring for Dental Bonding
After a dental bonding treatment, it’s important to care for the restoration so that it lasts as long as possible. Here are some tips for caring for dental bonding:
Regular Brushing and Flossing: Continue to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily to prevent plaque buildup and maintain oral health. Although the bonding fuses with your enamel, plaque and bacteria can still affect the edges of the restoration and leak underneath if you’re not cleaning those areas regularly.
Avoid Dark Foods and Drinks: Bonding can pick up stain particles, so limit your intake of things like coffee, tea, and red wine. You can also drink through a straw or rinse your mouth with water afterward to limit stain buildup.
Wear a Mouthguard: If you’re active in any type of sports or grind your teeth at night, consider wearing a mouthguard to protect your bonding from failing. Since bonding is typically fused to the edges of your teeth, it can break off more easily than a filling or crown.
Regular Dental Check-ups: Schedule regular dental check-ups with our Encinitas Family Dentistry team so we can monitor the condition of your dental bonding and other dental work for long-term success.
Schedule Your Dental Bonding in Encinitas Appointment Today
Dental bonding is a fast, effective, and affordable cosmetic procedure. Dr. Skeens frequently recommends it for our Encinitas patients with minor gaps or chipped enamel. Call Encinitas Family Dentistry today to find out if it’s right for you!
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES AT ENCINITAS FAMILY DENTISTRY
At our core, Encinitas Dentistry is a dental practice devoted to restoring and enhancing the natural beauty of your smile. How we accomplish that goal is what makes us stand out. We mingle time-tested approaches to oral care with state-of-the-art technology and procedures to deliver beautiful, long-lasting smiles!