When you look in the mirror, are you happy with what you see? If the answer is no due to minor imperfection in your smile, like small chips, gaps, and stains, dental bonding could be the ideal solution for you! This is an affordable cosmetic option that is used to mask these small flaws to give your smile a more polished look. However, it’s important that you are taking all of the proper steps to make it last. Continue reading to learn more about how dental bonding works and some tips to help you care for it.
How Does Dental Bonding Work?
When a patient has minor damage to a tooth, like a small chip, dental bonding can be used to correct it. This process includes several steps. First, after cleaning the area, your dentist needs to roughen the surface of the tooth. A liquid is applied to the area to make the bonding material stick more effectively. Then, your dentist applies the bonding material, made from composite resin, and sculpts it into the perfect shape. Finally, they will use a UV light to harden it into place. Some final adjustments may be made, and then the tooth is good as new.
4 Ways to Care for Dental Bonding
- Avoid Foods That Stain: For the first few days after you receive your bonding, you should refrain from foods and beverages that are dark in color. This includes coffee, red wine, tomato sauce, and berries. After this period, the bonding will become less susceptible to staining.
- Maintain Excellent Oral Hygiene: To keep your bonding and the rest of your teeth in good shape, you should brush twice and floss every day. This helps to prevent the development of tooth decay and gum disease that can cause issues to the affected tooth. Rinse with mouthwash for extra freshness.
- Avoid Hard Foods: Dental bonding isn’t quite as strong as natural tooth enamel, so it can break or chip if you munch on something that is too hard. Be very careful when enjoying foods like popcorn and chicken wings. Don’t bite down on ice, hard cardy, or anything else that is too tough in texture.
- See Your Dentist: Continue to see your dentist twice a year for cleanings and checkups. This way, if they see any issues related to your bonding, it can be addressed right away so it doesn’t break off.
Dental bonding can transform your smile, but it’s important that you care for the results. By using the tips listed above, you can enjoy your polished smile for many years into the future!
About the Author
Dr. Ben A. Sutter has been working in the field for more than 15 years! He earned his dental doctorate from the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine before completing a General Practice Residency at Overlook Hospital in New Jersey. If you have minor imperfections in your smile that you want to have corrected, he would be happy to help with dental bonding. For more information or to schedule an appointment at his office in Eugene, visit his website or call (541) 484-1955.