What if you have a noticeable gap between your teeth, but you’re not quite sure a costly orthodontic treatment would be worth it? Well, then there is an alternative solution you could try: dental bonding. To learn more about this cosmetic treatment and find out whether it’s a good fit for your smile, keep reading.
What is Dental Bonding?
Imagine a moldable, thick liquid, with a consistency that’s similar to molasses or syrup. That’s what you get when you mix a composite resin, and that’s what will be applied to your teeth during a dental bonding treatment. Don’t worry though – it’s not as gross as it sounds at first! After the resin cures, it becomes solid, and you’ll hardly notice the difference between the bonding material and your natural enamel.
How Does Dental Bonding Close Gaps?
Most commonly, the resin used for dental bonding is applied to the front-facing portion of teeth, and is molded to conceal blemishes like deep staining, chips, or cracks. However, the material can also be “built out” to seamlessly add some bulk to your pearly whites. Your dentist will meticulously sculpt the resin until it aesthetically fills the gap in your smile. Essentially, a bit of skilled artistry is all it could take to conceal this bothersome feature!
Is Dental Bonding a Lot of Maintenance?
That’s a good question. Whenever you’re considering dental cosmetics, you should make sure you can keep up with the necessary care. Fortunately, dental bonding is extremely minimal. It doesn’t require altering your natural teeth and isn’t prone to breakage. You can maintain its tooth-colored appearance the same way you would your natural teeth; with regular brushing and flossing.
Talk to Your Dentist
Although dental bonding’s minimalism also means it’s usually safe for healthy adults, it’s still a good idea to consult with your dentist about the details of this treatment. Any existing cavities will have to be filled before you can receive dental bonding, otherwise your oral health and smile aesthetics could be negatively affected.
Another roadblock you could potentially run into is the size of your gap. Dental bonding is excellent for minor fixes, but not significant ones. Your dentist will be able to tell you whether this cosmetic solution will help you achieve your smile goals. If you’re in luck, you’ll save yourself time and money by avoiding unnecessary orthodontics!
About the Practice
At deJong, Plaisance and Bostick Family Dentistry, we’re proud to have three experienced dentists on staff who are recognized for their skills and compassionate care. Our goal is to make dentistry as comfortable and convenient for you as possible, so if you’re interested in using dental bonding to fill the gap in your smile, we’ll gladly help you schedule a consultation and get you started! To contact our office, call 504-738-5171.
