Dental Bonding Before and After: What You Need to Know
Curious to know how dental bonding can change your smile? Dental bonding before and after photos can prove to be quite impactful when showcasing the remarkable transformations around one’s teeth, but what is the actual story behind this cosmetic procedure? Whether you’re thinking about it for a chipped tooth, gaps, or discoloration, you’ve come to the right place.
I’ve had dental bonding done myself and will talk you through what you can expect from the procedure, the results and whether the procedure is right for your smile. So, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of dental bonding before and after and why it’s one of the most commonly used options!
What Is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding is a cosmetic dental procedure done by applying a tooth colored resin to fix minor imperfections in your teeth. This resin is customized to align with the natural shape of your teeth and then cured with a special light. The result? A smile that is smoother, brighter and more uniform.
The first time I heard of dental bonding, I was hoping to repair a tiny chip in one of my front teeth. It felt like such an easy, non-invasive solution that can make such a difference, and I could not believe the difference it made in my smile after the procedure.” Dental bonding before and after images really don’t capture how natural the results look.
The Process of Dental Bonding: What to Expect Before and After
Before: Preparing for Dental Bonding
Your dentist will initially check the state of your teeth to see if bonding will work in your specific case. If you’re anything like me, you may have doubts about the color match or the length of the procedure. For me, the fact that dental bonding is also relatively quick vis-à-vis the common procedures I was going to have to undergo shocked me — dental bonding generally takes 30 minutes to an hour per tooth after all.
Preparing them, however, is dead easy. The dentist cleans the tooth to eliminate plaque or tartar, sometimes scratching the tooth surface lightly to increase bond strength for the resin. Most bonding procedures don’t require anesthesia, though if your tooth has decay or the procedure is located in a sensitive area, your dentist may numb the area.
After: The Bonding Procedure
Once the area is prepared, the dentist will place the resin, which they will shape to fit the natural contours of your tooth. She will then use a special light to harden the resin, and, if necessary, make final adjustments to ensure everything looks just right. The entire process felt easy and went smoothly for me, and I walked out of the dentist’s office with a brand-new smile in under an hour.
The Benefits of Dental Bonding
One of the greatest things about dental bonding is how soon you can get the benefits. In very little time the bonded tooth essentially becomes one with your other teeth.
Quick and Easy
As I said above, dental bonding is one of the quickest dental procedures. You are not required to have a series of visits as with crowns or veneers. In my case it was an easy, lunchtime appointment, and I was back to my day in no time.
Affordable
Dental bonding is a much cheaper cosmetic treatment compared to other treatments such as veneers and implants. I thought it was an inexpensive way to repair small flaws for little cost.
Minimal Tooth Removal
Dental bonding is less invasive than crowns or veneers, which usually involve reshaping the natural tooth. The removal of enamel is often minimal, resulting in reduced pain and faster healing process for dental patients.
Natural Results
The results of the dental bonding before and after photos I love the most is how natural they look. The bonding resin can be made to match the precise color of their teeth, so it will blend in with your smile.
Dental Bonding Before and After: Real Results
The pictures prove it, don’t they? Here’s what you need to know about dental bonding before and after:
Before: Chipped or Cracked Teeth
Dental bonding is perfect for fixing chipped or cracked teeth. I had this little chip in my front tooth that had been freaking me out for months. The chip was obviously noticeable, so I hesitated to smile before I got the procedure done. The tooth after dental bonding was again perfect. The bonding resin matched the chip flawlessly, and my tooth felt as it had before the chip, just like my real teeth.
Before: Gaps Between Teeth
If you have any gaps between your teeth, dental bonding might be an effective way to fill those gaps. If you’re like me and prefer to not be tortured by braces, bonding can be a quicker solution. The dentist will put some resin in the gap and shape it so it looks natural, and I couldn’t believe how much more uniform my smile looked afterward.
Before: Discolored Teeth
If you have discolored teeth, either from staining or other reasons, bonding is a great way to cover the discoloration and normalize your smile. The resin material used for bonding is also resistant to staining, which will help you keep that smile looking fresh for years to come.
How Long Does Dental Bonding Last?
How Long Does Dental Bonding Last? It’s a question we’re asked often after a patient compares dental bonding before and after images. Dental bonding generally lasts 5 to 10 years, though, depending on how well you care for your teeth and whether or not you have habits that will wear down the resin (like grinding your teeth).
It’s been a few years since I had my bonding placed, and although I see some minor wear at times, it looks great. On the other hand, to keep your dental bonding as long as possible, make sure to stay away from things such as chewing on hard objects, nail bitings and excessive drinking of coffee since it can stain the bonding material.
Is Dental Bonding Right for You?
If you’re thinking of having dental bonding, you might be wondering if it’s right for you. Whether you’re a candidate depends on the type of imperfection you’re looking to fix as well as your overall oral health. Here’s what to consider:
Dental Bonding vs. Veneers: Which Is Better?
In contrast to minor flaws better suited for dental bonding, veneers are a great choice for serious concerns that include serious discoloration or misalignment. Veneers are more permanent and long-lasting; however, they involve removing more tooth structure, and come at a higher cost. From my experience, dental bonding really shines on small to medium dental imperfections, while if you’re looking for something more permanent, veneers may be more appropriate.”
Dental Bonding for Sensitive Teeth
Dental bonding is also an option for people who suffer from sensitive teeth. It typically is not particularly painful, and there is no drilling involved, making it less painful than other dental procedures. (For the record, I had a little sensitivity around my bonded tooth initially, but this subsided after a couple of days.
Caring for Your Bonded Teeth
After your cosmetic dentistry bonding, you’ll want to maintain your smile in order to preserve results. Here are some tips that have helped me:
- Brush gently: While bonding material is strong, you don’t want to use a hard toothbrush that will scratch or otherwise damage the resin.
- Avoid staining food: Although bonding is stain-resistant, you should still be mindful about what you eat when it comes to coffee, red wine and other staining foods.
- Regularly visit your dentist: Regular dental checkup will help in making small adjustments to your bonded teeth and will also keep a healthy check on them.
Final Thoughts on Dental Bonding Before and After
I had dental bonding done and I remember how easy it was and how beautiful my smile looked after. The before and after of dental bonding really demonstrates the dramatic difference this straightforward procedure can achieve. It’s inexpensive, quick and great for correcting small dental flaws. If you have chips, gaps, or discoloration that you’d like to fix dental bonding may be a good treatment for you!
If you’re unsure about whether it’s the procedure for you, I suggest speaking with your dentist to see how your needs align. You may discover that dental bonding is just what you need to have your smile back on track!