Cosmetic dentistry offers dental patients several techniques to improve the appearance of their teeth. Cosmetic bonding is one of the most common cosmetic dental treatments.

Here are six of the most common questions that patients have regarding cosmetic dental bonding.

1. What is cosmetic dental bonding?

Cosmetic dental bonding uses a putty-like material to cover tooth imperfections and improve the appearance of teeth. Dentists place composite resin onto teeth, then shape the material before using a light to cure or harden it. Cosmetic dental bonding is similar to porcelain veneers in that it covers the surface of the teeth.

If a patient practices good oral hygiene and is careful, their cosmetic bonding may last up to ten years.

2. What materials does cosmetic bonding contain?

The putty-like material used for cosmetic bonding is called composite resin. This resin contains both plastic and glass, materials that help cosmetic bonding look like natural tooth structures.

3. What dental issues does cosmetic bonding treat?

Cosmetic dental bonding treats a range of cosmetic dental issues, such as:

• Chips
• Cracks
• Stains
• Craze lines
• Gaps
• Gum recession

Patients that are unhappy with their smile can use cosmetic dental bonding to change the shape, color, and size of their teeth.

4. Is cosmetic dental bonding permanent?

Cosmetic bonding won't last forever. But as mentioned earlier, this treatment may last up to ten years with proper care and dental hygiene. And unlike porcelain veneers, cosmetic dental bonding is reversible. This is useful if a patient decides that they want to remove cosmetic bonding to undergo another dental treatment like whitening or veneers.

5. Can cosmetic dental bonding stain?

Cosmetic dental bonding is more prone to staining than tooth enamel and porcelain. This is because the material is quite porous. Patients need to be careful when partaking of foods and drinks that contain staining molecules, such as pizza or coffee. Drinking a glass of water along with foods high in staining molecules can help.

6. How long does the bonding process take?

The bonding process can usually be completed in just one dental visit. Each tooth takes approximately 30-60 minutes to bond. This means that patients can have cosmetic dental bonding placed on several teeth in one dental visit.

If your teeth suffer from minor imperfections like craze lines or stains, cosmetic dental bonding can hide those imperfections. Check with your dentist to see if they offer cosmetic dental treatments. If they don't, look for a cosmetic dentist in your area.

Look to a service such as Middleton Dental Care.