Dental Bonding: What is it?

If your teeth are cracked, chipped, or just unappealing, there is an option for you that is relatively affordable and easy. It is known as bonding. Bonding, in dentistry, simple means the linking together of dental materials and natural teeth. It is painless and non invasive, and is accomplished in just one visit to the dentist. There are no molds to make, no temporary parts to be replaced later. There is just one visit and you are done.

There are a couple types of different of bonding methods. One type uses the bonding resin to link together one surface to another. In this case, the bonding resin serves as the bridge between some other type of filling and a natural tooth. The most common type of bonding is known as direct bonding. This is where the dentist applies the bonding resin directly to the tooth, shaping and molding it, and covering up any flaws on the tooth. This is the type of bonding that is used for cracked and chipped teeth.

The actual bonding process is simple. First, the tooth that will be bonded is isolated. This is important because it makes sure that no moisture will interfere with the bonding process. After being isolated, the tooth undergoes an acid etching process to harden it. This means that phosphoric acid is applied to the tooth for fifteen seconds. After the acid has hardened the tooth, it is removed, and the bonding resin is replaced. The dentist will then shape the resin into the right form, using a special light to help harden the resin.  The application of the resin, along with the shaping of it, is repeated several times until just the shape has been achieved.

Though bonding is a good choice, sometimes side effects can occur. If the bonding had been done inadequately, bacteria may invade and then further damage the bonded tooth. The good news here is that the dentist can counter these effects. Bonding is a good choice, because it is relatively inexpensive, it is simple, and whatever may go wrong can be fixed by a skilled Texas Cosmetic dentist.

Explaining Dental Whitening

Because teeth are porous and not naturally stain resistant, they are often discolored. Teeth can be discolored by many different things, including: drinking coffee or other dark colored beverages, smoking cigarettes, grinding, age, or trauma. However, teeth can be whitened to their original color or perhaps, even brighter than they ever were. A dentist can whiten your teeth in about 45 minutes, or you can purchase an in home whitening kit from any grocery or drug store.

At the office dental whitening procedures only take one 45 minute session. You and your Texas Cosmetic dentist will first consult a tooth shade chart. This chart is used to establish your current tooth shade and your goal tooth shade. A protective cover is then placed over your lips and gums to guard them from the whitening gel. The whitening gel is then applied to the teeth. It is sometimes necessary for the dentist to place the gel on your teeth up to three separate times in one visit to attain your goal shade. A special lamp is used on the gel to speed up the whitening process. The gel will stay on your teeth for about twenty minutes at a time. Teeth whitening procedures done by a dentist are way more effective in a shorter amount of time then treatments done at home – but you are paying for the convenience.

At home teeth whitening procedures can take up to several weeks for the results to be noticeable. The gel is applied to teeth once, sometimes twice, a day for up to ten days. It is not the fastest way to get white teeth, but is the most economical way.  Many people find that at home whitening procedures produce the same results that going to the dentist produces, even if it is not immediate. At home procedures will need to be repeated every few months, however.

The choice boils done to one question: what do you have more of, time or money? If you can afford it, and you need dramatic results fast, go to the dentist. If you cannot afford it, and you want white teeth, but do not need them whitened right away, do it yourself. They both are fine choices. It is really just a matter of preference.

Next Entries »