Ideal Candidates for Dental Bonding

Wilmington Dental BondingWavy hair, freckles, an unusual laugh – little quirks like these make each of us unique. Some imperfections, however, like small chips in your teeth, can give people the impression that you don't take care of yourself. Looking healthy and fit from head to toe is an important part of your self-image and how others view you in social and professional environments. For those who want to correct minor dental defects to improve their self-confidence, our Wilmington cosmetic dentist offers a quick solution known as dental bonding.

What Is Dental Bonding?

If you're generally happy with your smile but would like a few adjustments, you may want to consider dental bonding. This common cosmetic treatment is designed to conceal minor dental defects and can last up to 10 years. It is a subtle, non-invasive way to enhance your natural appearance.

Am I a Good Candidate for Dental Bonding?

Many patients opt for dental bonding to make minor changes, especially on the front teeth where defects are more noticeable. Dental bonding can be used to:

  • Fix chips and cracks
  • Close small gaps between teeth
  • Enhance disproportionately small teeth
  • Correct irregularly shaped teeth
  • Repair decay or erosion
  • Conceal slight discoloration
  • Protect exposed tooth roots where the gums have pulled away

During your consultation, we will be able to determine if your concerns can be successfully treated with dental bonding.

What Is Involved in the Treatment?

The bonding process takes about 30 to 60 minutes per tooth, and little preparation is needed. First, we will select a shade of bonding material that closely matches the color of your tooth. A mild etching solution will then be applied to the tooth to help the bonding material adhere.

Next, the bonding material – a special resin that at this stage has the consistency of putty – is applied to the tooth and artfully sculpted to the best shape and size for your smile. Once the ideal shape has been achieved, we will apply an ultraviolet light or laser to the resin for a few minutes to harden the material. As the last step, the bonding material will be smoothed and polished to a healthy-looking shine.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Bonding?

Dental bonding offers many advantages over other cosmetic treatments. Most patients appreciate how affordable the procedure is while still offering natural-looking, long-lasting results. Another advantage is that, unlike porcelain veneers and dental crowns that are made off-site, dental bonding can typically be prepared and completed in a single office visit. And because little or no tooth enamel is removed for dental bonding, anesthesia (numbing) usually isn't necessary. With dental bonding, you'll be in and out of the dentist's chair and enjoying your restored smile before you know it.

Learn More about Dental Bonding

At Smile Solutions by Emmi Dental Associates, we provide top-notch dental services for the whole family in a comfortable, relaxed environment. Our expert cosmetic dentists can give you a brilliant smile that can enhance your appearance and boost your self-esteem. To learn more about how dental bonding can complete your smile, we invite you to schedule a consultation today.