Do you have imperfections in your teeth? If so, you’re not alone if those imperfections make you feel like smiling a bit less. And, you may wish for a magic wand that could cast a happy spell to give you a bright, white, and straight smile without those unsightly gaps. 

Unfortunately, a magic wand just isn’t going to do the trick. However, we’re happy to tell you that your Greenville dentist offers the next best thing—a simple and painless cosmetic procedure can make a big difference in how you feel about your teeth. Ready to learn more?

What is dental bonding?

We’ve all heard of tooth whitening as a popular cosmetic dentistry treatment. But, cosmetic dentistry has far more to offer than just tooth whitening. Treatments, including veneers, crowns, and dental bonding, can also help give you the smile you wish you had.

Dental bonding, specifically, involves applying a tooth-colored composite resin material to your teeth. This versatile procedure can repair chips, close gaps, and even change the shape or color of a tooth. One of the best parts about dental bonding is that it’s a quick and straightforward process. Different from other popular cosmetic treatments, like porcelain veneers, dental bonding is reversible. 

This means if you ever decide to explore different options in the future, you won’t be locked into a permanent change. Whether you’re looking to correct a small imperfection or give your smile a subtle makeover, dental bonding is a fantastic option to consider.

Benefits of Dental Bonding

At this point, you can probably guess the benefits that patients can expect when they get dental bonding from the best dentist in Greenville, South Carolina. But, let’s make sure we cover all of them so that you can determine if dental bonding is for you.

Remember that dental bonding is best suited for patients who have minor cosmetic imperfections in their teeth that they’d like to fix. This could include small chips, gaps, discoloration, or even slightly misshapen teeth.

Here are some benefits of dental bonding:

• Quick and painless: The procedure is usually completed in just one visit, and there’s no need for anesthesia in many cases.
• Affordable: Dental bonding is typically more budget-friendly than other cosmetic dental procedures, like veneers or crowns.
• Natural appearance: The composite resin is carefully matched to the color of your natural teeth, so it blends in perfectly. No one needs to know that you have dental bonding unless you decide to tell them. But why not tell them? Your family members and friends can benefit from dental bonding, too.
• Reversible: Since the process doesn’t involve altering the tooth structure, it’s a reversible option, if you change your mind.
• Minimal tooth preparation: Dental bonding requires minimal removal of your natural tooth enamel, making it a less invasive option. This also makes it a great choice compared to veneers, which are a permanent solution.

Maintaining Your Bonded Teeth

At this point, you’re likely sold on the idea of getting dental bonding to cover up those dental imperfections. After all, who wouldn’t love a procedure that is fast, painless, affordable, and looks natural? It is a win-win situation.

But we know that you are likely wondering about what goes into caring for your new bonded teeth. After all, you want your treatment to last as long as possible. So, here’s what you need to know.

• Brush and floss regularly: Just like with your natural teeth, brushing twice a day and flossing daily will help keep your bonded teeth clean and healthy. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste to avoid damaging the bonding material.
• Be gentle with hard foods: Try to avoid biting down on hard foods like ice, nuts, or hard candy. These can crack or chip the bonding material, leading to potential repairs.
• Break bad habits: If you have a habit of biting your nails, chewing on pens, or using your teeth to open packages, now’s the time to stop. These habits can damage your bonded teeth over time.
• Watch what you eat and drink: For the first 48 hours after your bonding procedure, avoid consuming tea, coffee, red wine, tobacco, or other staining foods and drinks. The bonding material can be prone to staining during this initial period. That said, consume tea, coffee, red wine, and other staining foods and drinks in moderation as these foods and beverages can contribute to staining over time. And, take steps to stop the use of tobacco altogether.
• Regular dental visits: Make sure to visit your dentist every six months for a checkup and professional cleaning. This helps keep your bonded teeth in top condition and allows your dentist to spot any potential issues early.

Is dental bonding right for you?

If you think dental bonding is right for you, it’s time to request an appointment with your Greenville dentist. We’ll start with a consultation to discuss your smile goals and what you don’t love about your smile. We’ll then assess your candidacy for dental bonding by checking on the overall health of your tooth enamel and your approach to your oral care routine.

Then, we’ll schedule your appointment for dental bonding. Before you know it, you won’t be able to stop flashing your new smile! So, if you are ready for that selfie-ready smile and a happy improvement in your self-confidence, come and see us at Monroe Family Dentistry today.