Minor chips, gaps, stains, and cracks in your smile can be quite frustrating even if they are hard to see. Thankfully, cosmetic dental bonding is a quick and efficient way to address these issues in minutes during a routine dental appointment, and its results can last for several years if you take excellent care of your smile. Here’s a brief guide to how cosmetic dental bonding works and how you can ensure that your results last for as long as possible.
How Does Cosmetic Dental Bonding Work?
Cosmetic dental bonding is a brief and simple procedure that is completely painless without anesthesia. Since the process does not typically involve any drugs or modification of your dental structure, it does not come with any recovery time afterward, so you should be able to go back to work or school immediately after your appointment.
To perform cosmetic dental bonding, your dentist will apply a small amount of tooth-colored composite resin to the defect being treated. Then, they will carefully shape this putty-like material so it matches the natural curves of your smile before hardening it with a specialized UV light. This results in a beautiful and durable restoration that can last for several years with proper care.
How Can I Preserve the Results of Cosmetic Dental Bonding?
Luckily, it only takes excellent routine oral hygiene and a few common-sense measures to maximize the lifespan of your cosmetic dental bonding. These include:
- Brushing and flossing daily to eliminate food debris and infection-causing oral bacteria
- Using antibacterial mouthwash regularly to kill nasty germs and maintain fresh breath
- Seeing your dentist regularly for routine exams and cleanings
- Refraining from grinding your teeth or using your smile to open packages or bottles
- Abstaining from chewing on ice or smoking
- Limiting your consumption of alcohol, sugars, acids, and stain-causing foods and beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, berries, dark sauces, and colorful candies
Cosmetic dental bonding can be a convenient and efficient way to conceal unsightly defects and enjoy a more beautiful smile. This noninvasive treatment can be suitable for almost everybody with minor dental flaws, and scheduling a consultation with your dentist is the first step to finding out if the procedure can be an excellent solution for you.
About the Author
Dr. Holly Maier earned her dental degree at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine and has completed training in oral sedation and Invisalign. She is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association and the Academy of General Dentistry. Her office in Shelburne provides general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry such as cosmetic dental bonding. To schedule your cosmetic dental consultation, contact her office online or dial (802) 985-9700.