What You Need to Know About Cosmetic Bonding

Cosmetic Bonding – a Cost-Effective Option to Improve Your Smile

Cosmetic bonding can greatly alter the appearance of your teeth in one simple visit to the dentist's office. Cosmetic bonding involves the application of a dental composite resin to the teeth. It can be used to treat a host of different tooth problems like discolouration, gaps in the teeth, chipped teeth and uneven teeth. It’s equally helpful for patients suffering from gum recession as it can cleverly conceal exposed parts of the tooth that are otherwise protected by the gum. Dentists also prefer using composite resin instead of amalgam if it aesthetically benefits the patient.

Amalgam vs. Composite Resin – Which One Should You Choose?

Amalgam fillings, also commonly known as silver fillings, are cheaper than plastic resin fillings. They're also longer lasting than composite resins so they're preferred when there's a big area that needs to be filled. Composite resins may be more expensive than amalgams but they leave you with a natural tooth-coloured finish, making them the perfect choice for teeth that are easily visible or located in the front of the mouth.

Composite vs. Porcelain Fillings

Porcelain fillings are more expensive than composite fillings. Their cost can almost be compared to that of long-lasting gold fillings. A porcelain inlay is not generally moulded in a dental clinic. It's customised and produced in a lab setting and usually works like a crown to cover almost the whole tooth.

Depending on the dental issue you’re facing, the dentist will have to choose a filling best suited to your condition. If it's a minor chip or discolouration, composite resin is the best choice for you. Composites last you anywhere from 5 to10 years and need to be checked for wear during routine tooth examinations.

How is Dental Bonding Performed?

After a thorough oral check-up the dentist will use a tool to roughen the surface of the tooth that needs to be fixed. After this, a conditioning liquid is applied to the affected area. Composite resin is then placed over the surface of the tooth. It's moulded and later hardened with the help of UV light. Lastly, the dentist shapes the material and polishes it, until the patient is left with a perfectly natural looking tooth.

Composite resins can get stained with the consumption of tea, coffee and alcohol. Make sure you practice proper oral hygiene after the procedure and get your teeth cleaned twice a year.

Dental on Clarendon boasts of dentists with more than 2 decades of experience in cosmetic dentistry. We can get your teeth contoured, whitened and perfectly aligned so you can face the world with confidence.

To find out more about the cosmetic dentistry services we provide, visit us online or call us at 03 9690 3285.