Social networking sites and apps (especially Instagram) keep on bombarding hundreds of perfect smiles on users each day. Thus, besides celebrities, even college going teens are opting for treatments to get whiter, straight teeth.
Dentists in the United States come across several patients with a gap between two teeth. The condition is known as a diastema. Individuals with a gap between the two teeth in the front remain the most distressed as his/her smile happens to be the first introduction to the world. Thankfully, there are treatment options to camouflage this gap and treat it over time.
What causes diastema?
Diastema can be a result of issues with the jaw bone, missing or undersized tooth, abnormally sized labial frenum, incorrect swallowing reflex, and even because of periodontal (gum) disease. If left untreated, such a gap can remain in place throughout life. However, the ones caused due to periodontal disease or tongue thrust can turn larger with time.
Believe it or not, the space between the two front teeth is considered as something attractive in African nations. Parents often urge their kids to undergo specialized surgery for creating such a gap.
Is dental bonding a good idea?
Wearing a retainer, placing porcelain veneers or opting for dental bonding are some of the most preferred options when it comes to ways to close a gap in front teeth. However, dentists recommend dental bonding the most in simple cases. It can help in improving the appearance of the affected tooth and making it look longer. Dental offices also recommend the same for patients suffering from receding gums.
Teeth bonding process
As a part of the bonding process, the gaps between front incisors as well as between other teeth are covered with tooth-colored composite resin. The customized mold covers the space perfectly. It is used for covering discolored, fractured, chipped or decayed tooth.
As the material or mold does not need to be manufactured at a lab, the entire bonding process usually requires a single visit to a dental office.
The shade for the bonding material is accurately matched with the nearby teeth color.
The surfaces of the affected teeth need to be prepared by gently etching, scratching before applying the conditioning liquid. Then, the dentist carefully sculpts the material between the gaps and makes sure it matches with your teeth. The process requires thirty minutes per tooth, in lesser complicated cases.
Who can be suitable candidates?
It is a cosmetic process and cannot replace orthodontic treatment. Teeth bonding alone may not resolve issues caused due to misaligned bite, crowded or crooked teeth. The procedure can be helpful for individuals who wish to close small gaps between teeth and do not need orthodontic treatment.
Remember, critical issues like misalignment, protruding teeth, and bad bite often require braces based treatment for effective, long-term cure.
Scheduled surgery can be the only option for getting rid of the space resulted due to sizeable labial frenum. In case of a missing tooth, dental implants or bridges might be one of the treatment options. The dentist would suggest the best cure only after examining the patient’s mouth.
What is the difference between fitting veneers and bonding?
No doubt, both the procedures can help in regaining your lost smile. But, they come with a set of benefits and disadvantages.
Perhaps, the most crucial difference between both is the fact that teeth need to be chipped down a bit before fitting veneers. Drilling might be required for a few spots. On the flip side, bonding does not need drilling and is a simple procedure.
Veneers are lab made units created to be correctly attached to the teeth enamel. On the other hand, dental bonding involves masking imperfections, cracks on teeth by pasting the putty-like mold on the surface of the denticle.
The bonding procedure is a quick fix, and the job is completed in a single visit. But, if you are willing to wait for a long time to see the results and need a comprehensive transformation, opting for dental veneers can be the right decision for you.
The composite resin might turn yellow; appear stained due to smoking cigarettes or drinking too much coffee. Thus, the patient needs to make changes in some personal habits after treatment. For individuals who cannot easily control their addictions, dental care experts recommend porcelain veneers due to their ability to get rid of stain quickly.
Bonding material lasts for several years. However, it can get damaged and may need repair work if the individual has a nail-biting habit. Veneers can remain around for ten plus years. Last but not least; bonding is considered a cheaper alternative. A skilled dentist is required for both the procedures.
Teeth bonding side effects
Dental bonding does not come with any side-effects. The dentist also prescribes pain management medications in case if the patient experiences tooth sensitivity during or after the procedure. Patients are recommended to avoid consuming sweet foods, or stuff that’s too cold or hot during the first few days after completion of the treatment. And yes, the patient should not be opening food packets with his or her front teeth.
Dentist do not recommend administering anaesthesia unless of course, the affected spot to be treated happens to be near the nerve.
Other factors
The average cost per tooth can be between $100 and $600, depending on the condition of the tooth. Price-wise, it is cheaper than other options.
Most of the insurance firms does not cover the cost for teeth bonding treatment if it’s performed for cosmetic reasons. If you plan to use your insurance cover, it is advisable to check their terms and conditions first.
After the treatment, the patient needs to follow basic hygiene practices like flossing, brushing daily. Quarterly dental check-ups should not be skipped.
If you are worried about the gap between your teeth or improve imperfection in your teeth and wish to check treatment opinions for the same in Roswell (GA), you should fix an appointment at TruCare Dentistry.
FAQs
Is dental bonding permanent?
No, dental bonding is not a permanent solution. However, dental bonding can last between 3 to 10 years before requiring any touchup treatment. The period may vary from person to person based on their personal habits and how they take care of their teeth.
Can tooth bonding be whitened?
Bonding material usually does not respond to whitening material as teeth do. However, it is easier to place composite on the teeth. You can get the stained resin replaced with bonding resin that matches well with your new tooth color.
Does tooth bonding look natural?
Yes, the dental bonding material is specially formulated and color-matched to look like natural teeth. It looks so similar to the natural teeth that it becomes difficult for others to point out the bonded tooth.
Is bonding teeth a good idea?
Yes, dental bonding is a cost-effective solution to fix a defect or imperfection within a tooth like stained, broken, or chipped teeth and for other minor cosmetic dentistry issues.
Is tooth bonding used for receding gums?
Yes, tooth bonding can be used for receding gums. It is a less invasive option where gum-colored resin is bonded over the tooth with receding gums. It helps to protect the tooth’s roots from plaque and bacteria and improves the overall smile.