A smile makeover aims to improve the way your smile looks. Dental bonding is one of the many treatments that can be used to hide imperfections on teeth and create a more attractive smile. Smile makeovers typically focus on performing cosmetic treatments that are geared primarily towards improving the appearance of teeth. However, many cosmetic treatments restore the function of teeth so the patient also gets a healthier smile, as well.
How dental bonding might be used during a smile makeover
Dental bonding involves rebuilding teeth with a mixture of plastics and glass. These composites can be color-matched with the rest of the patient's real teeth, so repairs made with composites look natural. It is one of the least invasive treatments used by dentists and it does not require any permanent alterations to be made to the tooth. Dental bonding is also one of the most affordable treatments used as part of a smile makeover.
Issues that dental bonding is often used to fix include:
- Tooth decay
- Gaps between teeth
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Discolored teeth
- Deformed teeth
- Unsightly grooves on teeth
Smoothing out grooves with dental bonding
One of the dental issues adults are likely to experience when they are over the age of 35 is tooth decay that occurs along the gum line. It leads to the formation of grooves right next to the gum line. There are two main schools of thought when it comes to what causes grooves. Some dentists think it is caused by excessive brushing, while others theorize it is the result of teeth grinding.
People who grind their teeth should talk to a dentist about treatment and getting a nightguard to prevent these grooves from forming on their teeth. Those who might be guilty of excessive brushing should consider getting a softer toothbrush and learn better brushing techniques.
Grooves forming on a person's teeth do more than affect the appearance of their teeth; it leads to increased tooth sensitivity and it weakens teeth structures, making teeth more vulnerable to breaks and fractures. Dentists recommend getting treatments for any grooves on your teeth that are deeper than one millimeter.
The dental bonding process
Dental bonding is the standard way to treat these grooves and it fulfills cosmetic and therapeutic purposes. The dentist starts the process by preparing the patient's tooth for the composite. This is usually done by using an etching solution to roughen the tooth's surface. Doing this makes it easier for the composite to adhere to the tooth. A laser can also be used to roughen the tooth in preparation for the composite.
The composite is applied directly to the tooth in layers. Each layer is hardened before another layer is applied. This makes the repairs a lot more durable. The composite is used to fill up these grooves, then it is hardened and polished. There should be no signs that the patient's teeth have been restored with a composite when it is finished.
Ready for a smile makeover?
Contact our San Dimas clinic if you have grooves on your teeth that need to be repaired with composites.
Request an appointment here: https://sandimassedation.com or call San Dimas Family and Sedation Dentistry at (909) 740-8294 for an appointment in our San Dimas office.
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