Have you been dreaming of a smile makeover? Your dentist can help you explore the different cosmetic procedures available to you, starting with dental bonding. Though you may not have heard of it — you might be more familiar with more intensive procedures, like veneers and crowns — bonding is one of the quickest, easiest, and most affordable ways to improve your smile. Scroll down to explore the many benefits of cosmetic dental bonding.
What Is Cosmetic Dental Bonding?
Before we dig into the advantages of dental bonding, let’s discuss what the procedure entails. Bonding is a treatment in which a dentist applies a tooth-colored resin to the surface of a tooth and then hardens it with a special light. This simple procedure can repair minor imperfections and create a seamless, beautiful result. For more information, check out our blog post What Is Dental Bonding?
Top Reasons to Consider Bonding
It can fix minor flaws in your smile.
Did you recently chip your incisor? Is there a little gap between your two front teeth? Are you frustrated by a deep-seated stain that won’t respond to whitening treatments? Bonding could be the perfect solution. It can correct slight dental defects, including chips, cracks, discolorations, gaps, and misalignments. Through careful shaping and resin color selection, your dentist can ensure the procedure provides a beautiful, natural result.
It’s minimally invasive.
While this varies from case to case, typically bonding requires little to no enamel removal. In most circumstances, your dentist will only need to slightly roughen the tooth’s surface to ensure the resin adheres properly. This increases the likelihood of a durable, long-lasting result. Most of the natural tooth structure remains intact, which means the procedure is usually reversible. Veneers and crowns, on the other hand, typically involve grinding down a tooth’s enamel and reshaping it, making these treatments more invasive and permanent.
It’s painless.
Since bonding is applied to the surface of the tooth, it won’t cause any pain or affect your gums. No anesthesia is needed unless the treatment is being used to fill a cavity — in which case, it’s not considered a cosmetic treatment.
It’s affordable.
You’ll need to discuss costs with your dental team to learn how much you can expect to pay, but overall, dental bonding is much more economical than other procedures, like veneers or crowns. Your total bill will depend on several factors, including how many teeth are being treated, the complexity of the repair, and the location of the dentist. While dental insurance may cover bonding if it’s needed for structural or restorative purposes, it generally won’t cover cosmetic dental bonding. If you’re concerned about your budget, ask your dental team if payment plans are available.
It’s quick.
In fact, it often requires just one appointment! Typically, bonding on one tooth takes about 30 to 60 minutes. This is much faster than other cosmetic procedures, like veneers and crowns, which require multiple appointments and lab work. If you’re hoping for an instant cosmetic enhancement — perhaps you’re worried about a specific upcoming event, like a wedding — bonding could be the ideal solution.
It can boost your confidence.
Has a little flaw in your smile been bothering you for years? Perhaps you avoid fully smiling in photos because you’re embarrassed by your smile, or maybe you wonder if other people notice it when you’re hanging out. Dental bonding is a wonderful way to quickly enhance your smile and improve your self-esteem.
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While it won’t work in every situation, bonding can be a wonderful way to repair minor dental imperfections. It’s minimally invasive, affordable, quick, and most importantly, provides a beautiful, durable result.
If you’re looking for an experienced, reliable, and friendly dentist in or near Springfield, Missouri, contact Wilkinson Dental. Our team will give you the personalized treatment you deserve using state-of-the-art technology. Schedule your first appointment today by calling 417-708-0556 or requesting an appointment online. We look forward to hearing from you!