Do you have a tooth or two whose appearance always bothers you when you see yourself smiling in photos? Perhaps it is chipped or discolored, or maybe there is a tiny gap between a couple of your teeth. Direct bonding may be able to make those flaws disappear. This fast and easy treatment is one of several cosmetic services that we offer here at New Haven Dental Group in Hamden. When you are ready to discover how we can help you improve your teeth’s aesthetics, get in touch with us. In the meantime, you can learn more about direct bonding by reading the information below.
During the direct bonding process, we mold a tooth-colored composite resin over the tooth. It is the same material that we use for tooth-colored fillings. When the resin hardens, it bears a close resemblance to natural tooth enamel.
Direct bonding can disguise numerous flaws, including discoloration, cracks and chips, small gaps between the teeth, and more. It is a popular alternative to porcelain veneers, which can accomplish many of the same things as direct bonding.
First, we slightly roughen up the surface of the tooth with a mild acidic solution. Next, we apply a conditioning liquid to help the bonding material adhere. Then, we place the resin, which will be shade-matched to your teeth, and mold it into its desired shape. A special curing light hardens the resin in a matter of seconds. We polish and trim the resin until we achieve the desired results. The entire process is very comfortable — in fact, we very rarely use local anesthesia for it. It also usually takes just one appointment.
Some of the primary benefits of direct bonding include:
Direct bonding may be perfect for you if you would like to reshape one or two teeth. It usually is not recommended for more extensive smile transformations. Many patients also choose this procedure for its relatively low price and comfortable treatment process. On the other hand, porcelain veneers may be a better choice for you if you want to totally change your smile’s appearance. Also, keep in mind that veneers tend to last much longer than bonding and are more stain resistant.
When you visit us for your cosmetic consultation, we will thoroughly explain your treatment options and help you understand the pros and cons of each. Then, you can make a confident, fully informed decision about how you want to improve the way your teeth look.
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