June 10, 2023

Dental bonding is a cosmetic operation that uses a tooth-colored composite resin material to improve your smile. This treatment is used to fill gaps, repair chips, or alter the form and teeth color. Dental bonding, contrary to other cosmetic dental procedures such as porcelain veneers, is reversible. For more information, contact a Mayfair, Northeast Philadelphia dentist today. 

What is dental bonding? 

Dental bonding, also known as teeth bonding or composite bonding, is a cosmetic dentistry technique used to improve the appearance of your teeth. Your dentist will apply the tooth-colored resin substance to the impacted teeth during the operation to modify their form, size, or color.

Why is dental bonding recommended? 

Dental bonding is used to improve the appearance of your smile. The technique uses tooth-colored composite resin to:

• Cover up any cracks or chips in your teeth.
• Discoloration of the teeth can be concealed.
• Fill up any gaps or holes between your teeth.
• Increase the length of your teeth.
• Make your teeth a different shape.

Restorative dentistry uses the same composite resin substance used in dental bonding to:

• Fill in the cavities.
• Replace outdated silver dental fillings with a more aesthetically pleasing replacement.
• Protect exposed tooth roots caused by gum recession.

Is dental bonding common? 

Cosmetic dental bonding is a relatively popular procedure. It is, in fact, one of the most often-done treatments in dentistry today.

Dental bonding vs. veneers 

Porcelain veneers are custom-made ceramic shells that attach to your teeth’ front surfaces. To put them, your dentist usually needs to remove some enamel from your natural teeth. Porcelain veneers are not reversible after they have been applied. They will need to be replaced every 10 to 20 years.

Dental bonding, however, may not necessitate extensive enamel removal. Bonding is, therefore, totally reversible. Touchups will most likely be required every three to ten years.

You may hear dentists refer to “composite veneers.” This is when your dentist covers the whole surface of your tooth with composite resin material.

What happens before teeth bonding? 

Your dentist will discuss your aesthetic goals with you before dental bonding. They will also take dental X-rays and check your teeth and gums to ensure you are a good candidate for the surgery. If you have significant tooth decay, gum disease, or other major oral health issues, you should address those first.

Proper oral care is vital after dental bonding to keep your smile healthy and shiny. Brush your teeth at least twice daily using a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, and floss once daily. You should also see your dentist regularly for cleanings and check-ups. 

It is important to be proud of your smile. That is why cosmetic dentistry allows you to acquire straight, pearly white teeth that are free of damage and properly formed. You may pick from various cosmetic operations, including gum contouring. To know more, speak to a family dentist in Denver today. 

What is gum contouring? 

Gum contouring is an operation performed by a dental specialist that resculpts or reshapes your gumline. Gum contouring is a method for removing surplus gum tissue around your teeth. If you have gum recession, the method entails regenerating gum tissue. 

Gum contouring is often an elective operation. It is thus not medically mandatory. It is instead done to improve the appearance of the teeth, gums, or smile. However, your dentist may sometimes propose gum contouring for oral health reasons. 

When is it medically necessary? 

Gum contouring is usually performed for aesthetic reasons. However, there are situations when it is a medical need.

Gum contouring may be an orthodontic option for you if you are a patient with periodontal disease. However, your dentist will first look for nonsurgical therapies for gum disease. Antibiotics may be used to kill bacteria and infections, and dental cleanings may be utilized to restore gum health. 

If these methods fail to save the tooth, your dentist may offer pocket reduction treatment on the surrounding bone and gums. Alternatively, you may require regeneration surgery to rebuild damaged bone and gum tissue.

These treatments may include gum contouring. If this is the case, dental insurance may pay the cost, or a portion of it, if treatment is deemed a medical necessity. Talk to your dental insurance carrier to discover what is covered and whether there are any out-of-pocket expenditures.

What does it involve? 

A cosmetic dentist or a periodontist will generally do gum contouring. It is an in-office treatment that is usually completed in a single visit. In most circumstances, you will be awake throughout the process. Before the doctor begins, you will be given local anesthesia that numbs the gum area. 

During the procedure, the dentist will use a scalpel or soft tissue laser to remove extra gum tissue and reshape the gum line to display more of the tooth. Sutures may be used to secure the gum tissue.

If your gums recede and the surgery requires additional gum tissue, your dentist may take tissue from another area of your mouth, such as your palate. During surgery, this tissue is secured around your teeth to extend and remodel your gumline.

The length of the treatment is determined by the degree of the contouring and the quantity of resculpting required. Gum contouring typically takes 1 to 2 hours.