All too often, we don’t give our teeth the respect and care that they are due. Aside from not regularly practicing healthy oral habits, such as proper teeth brushing and flossing, we also use our teeth for things that you shouldn’t be, like opening bottle caps or cutting sales tags. 

As if that weren’t enough, our teeth are also frequently in danger of being knocked out due to contact sports. All of these activities can lead to permanent damage, such as chipping or discoloration. Fortunately, cosmetic dentistry has progressed to the point that dentists can fix almost every kind of tooth imperfection—from improving the appearance of cracked or stained teeth to filling a relatively noticeable and large gap between your teeth!

What does the process of dental bonding look like?

The most common dental procedure for improving your teeth’s appearance is dental bonding. Fortunately for patients, dental bonding is usually a painless procedure that takes very little preparation. 

If it’s a simple chip or crack that needs filling, your dentist will look at a shade guide to determine the correct shade that will match your existing teeth. Next, your dentist will begin roughing up the surface of your teeth. This gives the bonding material more traction to stick on the surface of your tooth. 

After applying the bonding agent to your tooth, your dentist will apply the resin and shape it to restore your tooth’s appearance. Finally, the dentist will use a dental curing light to harden the bonding material and resin. 

The entire procedure will take at least 30 minutes, but not more than an hour per tooth, for simple procedures. Certain situations can lengthen and complicate the session, such as having a cavity that needs to be filled before bonding or getting dental bonding for multiple teeth.

What are the pros and cons of dental bonding? 

As mentioned earlier, dental bonding is usually a painless process that doesn’t require much preparation. It is also the least expensive cosmetic procedure available that is good for correcting minor issues. 

Because it doesn’t require anesthesia and can be finished in less than an hour, a dental bonding session can be done in a single visit to the dentist’s office. After the procedure, you are free to resume your daily activities. 

That being said, dental bonding is also the least durable solution, and are very prone to staining if you don’t keep up your healthy oral habits. The quality of dental bonding work is also heavily dependent on the skill of your cosmetic dentist. If you live near Tennessee, we invite you to visit us and receive treatment from the best dentist in Murfreesboro, TN. 

How do I take care of my teeth after a dental bonding session? 

The best way to take care of your teeth after a dental bonding session is to keep up your healthy oral habits. Brushing your teeth at least two times a day and flossing in between meals is a great start. More importantly, you should avoid situations that can result in your tooth chipping, such as crunching on ice or cracking a walnut open.  

If you can’t avoid contact sports, the best way to protect your teeth is to always wear a mouthguard!

Conclusion 

Dental Bonding is an excellent way of restoring your teeth to its original condition. That being said, dental bonding is only part of the solution. As mentioned above, regular brushing, flossing, and other healthy oral habits will go a long way in preserving your teeth after the dental bonding procedure. 

Dr. Greg Nicholson has been brightening smiles as a cosmetic dentist in Murfreesboro, TN, for over 25 years. At our clinic, we offer family dentistry services, ranging from crown setting, Invisalign applications, bridge procedures, and much more. Book an appointment today to learn more about our services!