Dental bonding treatment for gaps improves patients’ smiles in Philadelphia, PA

Many patients are embarrassed by or hide smile imperfections such as gaps or broken teeth. Gapped, chipped, or discolored teeth are common cosmetic issues that can be easily corrected. Once the problems are addressed, a winning smile boosts an individual’s self-confidence. In Philadelphia, PA, Dr. A offers cosmetic dentistry including dental bonding treatment to improve the health and beauty of patients’ smiles.

A gap between two teeth is called a diastema. Patients can have gaps anywhere in their mouths, but they are most commonly found between the two front teeth. Gaps can cause embarrassment. Dental bonding for gaps is an effective treatment to camouflage and close the unwanted space. The results appear natural and are long-lasting.

What is dental bonding?

Dental bonding is named for the way material bonds and adheres to a tooth to correct small cosmetic issues. It is a cosmetic treatment to correct imperfections such as large spaces or gaps. Teeth that are discolored, chipped, or broken can also be corrected. A tooth-colored bonding material improves the targeted imperfections. The material is selected to match the teeth giving a natural appearance. Then, it is applied to the tooth or teeth and sculpted into the proper shape before being hardened and polished.

Bonding may be used for the following cases:

• Closing large spaces between teeth
• Restoring chipped, broken, or decayed teeth
• Changing the color or shape of the teeth
• Protecting the tooth root if the gums recede excessively

What to expect

Dental bonding is a safe, simple cosmetic procedure that requires little advance preparation. The natural tooth is preserved. A shading guide helps the dentist select a material that matches the tooth. The damaged or gapped tooth is etched and roughened. A conditioning liquid is applied so the material can bond to the tooth.

After the teeth have been prepped and etched, a putty-like material is applied. The tooth-colored material is applied, trimmed, and sculpted as necessary to form the desired shape. A special ultraviolet light hardens the material. Once hardened, the tooth is buffed and polished to match the adjacent teeth. The end result is a smooth, natural-looking tooth and a more complete smile. The process takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes per tooth to complete.

Dental bonding does take artistic skill for optimal results. Choose an experienced dentist to achieve optimal results. Although dental bonding may not work for every situation, it can be a simple way to improve your smile and help you maintain good dental health.

Benefits of dental bonding

Dental bonding is good for small cosmetic dental needs such as closing gaps between teeth. It is often an economical option for patients. For some patients, it may be an alternative to veneers. Bonding may be used to restore teeth or to correct imperfections in the smile.

Gaps between teeth are small dental imperfections. To close these spaces, bonding is effective and efficient. Advantages of this procedure include the following:

• Cost-effective correction – When compared to other cosmetic dental procedures, bonding is often less expensive
• Long-lasting – The bonding material is durable and can withstand the normal pressure of a tooth
• Versatile – Bonding treatments can be done to close gaps or to restore chipped or broken teeth. The end result is sturdy and appears natural
• Quick – Dental bonding for gaps usually only requires one appointment. The bonding process is started and completed in a single dental appointment
• Simple – Anesthesia is usually not needed for dental bonding. The entire procedure requires little tooth preparation and only takes 30 to 60 minutes per tooth
• Safe – Compared to dental crowns or veneers, less of the natural tooth enamel has to be shaped and prepared for bonding meaning you retain more of the integrity of the tooth.

With good dental habits, dental bonding results can be long-lasting. Just remember that the bonding material is porous meaning it can be stained. Regular consumption of dark or red colored liquids such as coffee, tea, and red wine or the use of tobacco products increase the chances of discoloration. Speak with your dentist about ways to keep your smile healthy and bright.

Let us help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. To learn more about our cosmetic dental services such as dental bonding for gaps, contact the team at Innovative Dental By Dr. A. Call (267) 463-2777.