subject: Direct Bonding – Beautiful and Affordable Restorations and Repairs [print this page] Direct Bonding Beautiful and Affordable Restorations and Repairs
Once in a while a patient comes in with a chip, crack, stain or cavity that doesn't really warrant a porcelain restoration. But who wants to walk around with a chipped or discolored tooth? I certainly don't want my patients to!
If you have minor damage or discoloration that you are tired of hiding or that is making you uncomfortable in any way, I recommend the convenience of direct dental bonding.
What is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding is a restorative method that is both conservative and inexpensive and requires less preparation of the tooth than a porcelain veneer or crown does. But it takes a special touch to make direct bonding look and feel natural in your smile. Because dental bonding is custom shaded and applied right in the office, the dentist mixing and placing the boding should have a good eye for aesthetics and an artist's touch. If not, you may end up with a restoration that looks flat, unnatural and is detectable to the tongue. To have a really beautiful bonding repair done, look for a dentist who has advanced cosmetic training.
How is Direct Dental Bonding Done?
First we will prepare the surface of your tooth by roughing it up so the composite material can have a better grip. We then apply a bonding material to your prepared tooth. Once the bonding material is properly applied, we carefully sculpt composite resin to fill gaps, repair chips, restore small cavities or cover minor stains. When it is done properly the composite will not only perfectly match the tooth it is repairing in color, but it will have natural surface textures, translucency and shading, instead of being a dull white.
Is Direct Dental Bonding for me?
If you have minor flaws or need small repairs, direct dental bonding is perfect for you. I don't use dental bonding for larger repairs because it doesn't last as long or retain its good looks in larger areas. For major repairs, I recommend using porcelain restorations such as porcelain veneers and crowns. On larger surfaces they last longer and resist staining better than large areas of dental bonding.
To find out more about how artistically applied dental bonding by cosmetic dentist Dr. Lucas Setiady can help you, give Smiles by Setiady a call at 909.627.0988 or visit us on the web at chinodentalcare.com.
