A Guide to White Filling and Dental Teeth Bonding for Gaps between Teeth

If you have unsightly gaps between your teeth, your dentist will quite likely recommend dental bonding as a cosmetic and restorative treatment. Dental bonding works by using a composite resin material to conceal cracks, discoloration, chips, gaps and other dental imperfections. If you have small cavities or slightly damaged teeth, dental bonding can take care of those too. The bonding resin can be colored to match the surrounding teeth exactly.

Preconditions

Before signing up for dental bonding, make sure you possess good oral health. Resolve issues such as gum disease and cavities before proceeding with the bonding cosmetic treatment.

The Bonding Process

The White filling and dental bonding process can be broken down into 4 steps:

• Preparation of the bonding material
• Application of the bonding material
• Curing of the bonding material
• Refinement of the bonding material

It’s a relatively simple process and can be completed in about an hour or two, if the area to be bonded is small. The actual length of your treatment will depend on the number of teeth to be treated and the extent of issues with your smile.

• Preparation: If your teeth are discolored, dentists recommend a tooth whitening process before dental bonding. In this way, your dentist can correctly match the bonding resin’s shade to the shade of your new smile. Before applying the composite resin, the dentist will place clear dental Mylar® strips between the teeth to be treated. This keeps the resin off the adjacent teeth.
• Application: The dentist will coat your teeth with a mild acid solution which will create tiny fissures in your teeth’s enamel. This increases the surface area for the bonding solution to adhere to your teeth more strongly. The dentist will help you rinse your mouth after the acid etching and then apply the bonding agent to your teeth using a tool that has a fine tip like a paintbrush.
• Curing: Once the resin is applied, your dentist will harden it with a targeted UV dental light for several seconds. This process is repeated for each tooth that is being treated. Once all the teeth are bonded, the dentist will remove the Mylar strips.
• Refinement: Once the treatment is complete, it’s time to assess the appearance of your teeth and ensure satisfaction. At this stage, the dentist will check your dental symmetry with a precise dental tool. Then, your dentist will refine the bonding solution using a fine dental drill, removing tiny portions of the solution from your teeth. This creates a uniform bonding and a smoother, more even smile. Once this is done, your dentist will check your teeth’s bite by placing a thin paper-like material between your jaws. If need be, your dentist will refine the bonding solution again to ensure proper bite. As a final touch, your dentist will use a rotating-head-dental-tool to etch the bonding material to give your teeth a more organic appearance.

Costs of Dental Bonding

Dental bonding can cost anywhere from $100 to $400 per tooth, depending on the area you live in. A number of factors can influence your treatment’s costs, as follows:

• The total number of teeth to be treated and the area of treatment. While it won’t cost much to fill in a tiny chip, it’ll definitely cost more to cosmetically restore a tooth that’s been severely discolored.
• The cost of dental treatment depends on your area of residence; the costs are higher in urban areas.
• The costs are affected by your dentist’s standing, reputation and experience as well. A senior, well-established dentist will charge more. It might be tempting to opt for inexpensive care from an inexperienced dentist, but remember that proper cosmetic treatment is actually critical for the future of your smile and your confidence. An experienced dentist is more likely to yield the results you want than a cheap one.

Advantages of Dental Bonding

• Dental bonding is a much less expensive alternative to dental veneers.
• There’s no need to alter the natural structure of the teeth as in the case of veneers, which means that the bonding procedure can be reversed later
• Dental bonding can be done on its own or along with other cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening, dental crowns, and dental bridges; it’s very versatile.
• Dental bonding yields instant results. In a single sitting over your lunch hour, you can get your teeth bonded and walk out with a beautifully renewed smile.
• The best thing about dental bonding is that with proper care and oral hygiene, you can enjoy your smile for many years.

Conclusion

Dental bonding is a painless, quick procedure that you can undergo in a few short hours. If you have extensive discoloration or gaps, you can spread the treatments out over a few days to ensure each area of concern gets treated properly.