Your entire life you’ve had some minor gaps in your smile that you’ve gotten used to. To you it never seemed worth it to invest the time and money into metal braces or even clear aligners to fix the gaps, so you’ve just accepted it. However, you don’t have to settle when there is a solution from your cosmetic dentist in Crown Point today.
That solution is cosmetic bonding. What is that you ask? Keep reading to learn how this treatment is specifically designed to fill the gaps in your smile, making it look straighter and better than ever before.
What is Cosmetic Bonding?
Also known as tooth or dental bonding, cosmetic bonding is a treatment method designed to repair chipped, fractured, discolored teeth or make teeth appear longer than they really are. It can also be done as cosmetic alternative to amalgam fillings.
Its application is also useful for gaps in the visually noticeable areas of your smile. For example, if you have a diastema, or a gap in your front teeth, cosmetic bonding can be done to cover this imperfection. While it can resolve any gaps in your mouth, it’s more commonly done for those with diastema as most dental literature reports up to 25.4 percent of Americans suffer from gapped front teeth. Additionally, the process of bonding is quick and straightforward.
What Does the Process Entail?
Bonding can usually be done in just one visit, but this depends on the smile you’re looking for. The treatment uses the same composite resin that’s done for tooth-colored fillings. First, your dentist numbs the treatment area and removes any damaged areas of the tooth. Then, they apply the putty-like resin directly to your teeth and allow it to seep into the crevices and pits of the tooth enamel (or in this case your gap.)
Next, they apply a curing light directly to the tooth which hardens the resin and fuses with your tooth. After it has dried, the dentist polishes and shines the tooth, leaving behind a smile you can be proud to show off. You’ll find many benefits accompany it compared to braces.
How Is It an Ideal Alternative to Braces?
Not only is bonding an incredibly quick way to fix small cosmetic flaws like gaps, it’s extremely cost-effective. Braces and clear aligners costs thousands of dollars and several months or years to complete. You may not need treatment that substantial, so why go the extra mile when there’s a cosmetic solution available to you?
The treatment is also nearly entirely reversible, so if you change your mind your cosmetic dentist in Crown Point will be more than happy to accommodate you. You don’t have to force yourself into a commitment that braces require and there’s fewer maintenance after treatment as well. Just be sure to avoid coffee, tea, tobacco products, and any other substances that stain for the first 48 hours after treatment. Afterwards, make sure to brush your teeth often and get them checked by your dentist every six months to maintain in the long-term.
Get the smile you’ve always wanted without the metal wires or commitment. Schedule an appointment with your dentist in Crown Point today to how cosmetic bonding can benefit your look!
About the Author
Dr. Daniel Jordan Berquist, D.D.S., is a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. By being a member, he’s able to easily stay up-to-date on the most recent innovations in cosmetic technology and procedures. To learn more about his practice and cosmetic bonding treatments, contact him at (219) 226-0544 or visit his website.