How to Prepare for A Dental Bonding Procedure
Dental bonding is a cosmetic procedure used to restore or improve your smile by applying a tooth-colored resin on the surface of the tooth. It is effective in repairing teeth that are decayed, cracked, chipped, or discolored. Bonding can also be used to close spaces between teeth, change the shape of teeth or protect an exposed portion of the tooth’s root for those with receding gums. The procedure is fairly simple and without any downtime. Nonetheless, like in any other dental procedure, preparation is key in ensuring safety and success in dental bonding.
Determine If You Qualify for The Procedure
It is exciting to think that one procedure can help you fix multiple issues that may make you not love your smile. However, not everyone is a good candidate for dental bonding. Before you start getting yourself ready for the procedure, it is important to consult your dentist. Usually, bonding is used on teeth with minor flaws. If you have suffered any major injuries or your teeth are severely decayed, you do not make a good candidate for dental bonding.
Besides improving the appearance of your smile, bonding also helps prevent further damage to your teeth. A talk with your dentist will ensure that your specific problems are properly evaluated and help determine the most suitable treatment.
Understand What the Procedure Entails
Bonding is an outpatient procedure, and often anesthesia is not required unless it involves filling a decayed tooth. To begin with, your dentist will use a shade guide to identify the composite resin color that closely matches the color of your natural teeth. Next, the tooth is prepared by slightly roughening it up. This step is necessary in ensuring that the bonding material is able to properly adhere to the tooth. Thereafter, the resin, which is a tooth-colored putty-like substance, is applied, molded to the desired shape, and then smoothened. To help the resin harden faster, ultraviolet light or laser is used. Once dried, further trimming and shaping will be done before the tooth is finally polished to match the sheen of your other teeth.
Know the Aftercare Needed
When preparing for any dental procedure, minor or major. It is really necessary for you to understand the aftercare it may demand. Doing so paints a clear picture of the commitment you are getting into it and helps you decide if it is worth it or not.
The good thing about dental bonding is that it does not require any special aftercare practices. You simply have to keep up a good oral hygiene routine. This means brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily. You should also still see your dentist regularly for dental exams and professional cleanings. Dentists also advise against bad oral habits like chewing on pens or using your teeth as tools as this may cause the bonding material on your teeth to chip or break.
Find Out If There Are Any Risks Involved?
Since bonding is a fairly simple procedure, it does not involve any adverse risks. However, it is still important to have a professional exam performed to rule out the risk of any complications arising. Keep in mind that even a procedure with several benefits can still turn out to be a disappointment if you are not a good candidate for it.
The only risk with bonding is that the material can break or chip off if not properly cared for. It is also good to note that the resin used in bonding is not resistant to stains. If you consume lots of coffee and red wine, or smoke, you are likely to experience long-term discoloration. And since composite resin cannot be whitened, it is best to undergo a whitening treatment before having your teeth bonded.
Dental bonding can be an effective procedure for cracked tooth repair or making small improvements in your smile. For any questions or concerns about the procedure, visit our dental clinic to learn more. We also have a pediatric dentist in Sunrise, FL, to address the dental needs of your child.