What is a smile flaw? What one person may consider a flaw, another may consider to be a distinguishing characteristic. A smile flaw is one that checks yes to at least one of the following: it creates risk to your smile’s health or it makes you feel insecure. If you have issues with your smile’s appearance, you can address the smile flaws with cosmetic bonding. Cosmetic bonding uses composite resin which is the same material used in tooth-colored fillings. The material is applied directly to the tooth before being sculpted by your dentist. Once it is the desired shape, it is hardened and polished for a natural-looking appearance. Cosmetic bonding can fix a wide range of smile flaws, such as small gaps, intrinsic stains, surface damage, and irregularly shaped or sized teeth.
Small Gaps
Larger gaps may be too big to be addressed with cosmetic bonding. However, gaps of a smaller size may be filled in using cosmetic bonding. To do so, the bonding can be applied to one or both teeth on either side of the gap to close it in to the desired width. Porcelain veneers can close larger gaps.
Intrinsic Stains
Stains on the outside of teeth (extrinsic stains) may be able to be removed with a whitening treatment. Intrinsic staining is discoloration that comes from within the tooth, and it cannot be removed. Cosmetic bonding can be used to cover up the front layer of the teeth; bonding resin can be color-matched to get to your desired shade.
Surface Damage
When a tooth is chipped or cracked on just the surface, it can be repaired with a cosmetic bonding treatment. Bonding restores the appearance of the damaged tooth, and it can protect it against further breakage. If the tooth damage reaches beneath the surface, a crown or root canal treatment may be necessary.
Uneven Shapes and Sizes
A jagged tooth or a tooth that is unevenly sized or shaped can make your smile look asymmetrical. Cosmetic bonding can be applied to the tooth and sculpted to match the rest of your teeth.
Do you have smile issues that bonding can address?
Cosmetic bonding can give you confidence about your smile. 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.
