Questions About Cosmetic Tooth Bonding

As small as they are, your teeth can be marred by even the smallest stain or chipped edged. Because of their limited landscape, fixing the appearance of imperfect teeth is a sensitive and precise process, one that’s different for everybody depending on their specific needs. Tooth bonding, which consists of rejuvenating a blemished tooth using tooth-colored composite resin, can help improve your smile’s appearance without taking away from your tooth’s natural structure.

What is composite resin?

Composite resin is a white mixture of plastic and glass-like particles that can be tinted to match the exact shade of your tooth. As a cosmetic measure, the resin can be bonded to your tooth’s structure, then sculpted to the desired shape and polished for a lifelike shine. Composite resin, or tooth bonding, is often recommended in a number of different situations, including;

• Chipped teeth
• Cracked tooth enamel (craze lines)
• Stubborn surface stains
• Uneven spaces (black triangles) between teeth

Is tooth bonding better than porcelain veneers?

Some cosmetic issues may require more complex treatment than bonding, such as some severe tooth stains or oddly shaped, slightly crooked teeth. If dental bonding won’t suffice to correct your smile, then Dr. Cain might recommend placing one or more porcelain veneers over your teeth. Made from innovative dental porcelain, wafer-thin veneers cover the front surfaces of your teeth to offer a more lifelike restoration. Since Dr. Cain has to prepare your teeth to receive veneers by sculpting away a small amount of enamel, the procedure can’t be reversed. After a thorough examination, Dr. Cain will consult with you to determine which cosmetic treatment is best suited to your specific needs.

Can composite resin restore teeth, too?

Though often used for cosmetic purposes, composite resin’s unique features also make it an effective (and more visually appealing) alternative to metal dental fillings. Resin blends in with your tooth, creating a discreet filling that doesn’t clash with your smile’s natural color. Since resin can be bonded to your tooth’s surface, it creates a strong seal against bacteria to reduce the risk of future tooth infection.

About Your Gary, IN Dentist:

As a native of northwest Indiana, Nicholas Cain, DDS, is dedicated to providing excellent cosmetic, preventive, and restorative dentistry to the community that raised him. To schedule your family’s next dental appointment, call Healthy Smiles today at 219-938-2637.