If you have issues with your smile’s appearance, addressing them may be the key to increased confidence. Cosmetic bonding can be a straightforward way to update your smile. Cosmetic bonding uses the same material used in tooth-colored fillings, a composite resin. The resin is applied directly to the tooth, sculpted by your dentist into the desired shape, and then polished for a natural-looking appearance. Just like with a filling, the bonding is meant to be permanent. Oftentimes, the tooth only needs to be minimally etched to prepare it for the bonding material. This means that little damage is done to your tooth or teeth. Cosmetic bonding can address issues such as small gaps, intrinsic stains, surface damage to the enamel, and irregularly shaped or sized teeth to lead to a smile update.
Larger gaps may be too big to be addressed with cosmetic bonding, but small gaps can be filled in. The bonding can be applied to one or both teeth on either side of the gap to close it in to the desired size. Porcelain veneers may be an option for larger gaps.
Stains on the outside of teeth (extrinsic stains) may be removed with a whitening treatment. Intrinsic stains come from within the tooth, and they cannot be removed. To update the appearance of internally stained teeth, cosmetic bonding can be used to cover up the front layer of the teeth. The bonding material can be color-matched to get to your desired shade.
When a tooth is chipped or cracked, but is still relatively healthy, it can be repaired with a cosmetic bonding treatment. The bonding not only restores the appearance of the damaged tooth, but it can protect it against further breakage. The bonding material is strong enough to act like your tooth’s enamel in addition to looking like it.
A jagged tooth, a tooth that is smaller, or a tooth that is unevenly shaped can make your smile look asymmetrical. To give your smile a more uniform look, cosmetic bonding can be applied to the tooth and sculpted to match the rest of your teeth.
Your smile’s issues may be addressed with cosmetic bonding. To schedule a consultation with Austin Prosthodontics in Austin, TX, call 512-250-9444. We also proudly welcome patients from Cedar Park, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Leander, and all surrounding Texas communities.