Studies show that smiling has significant benefits on one’s overall mental and physical health, which is why it is important to feel confident in your smile. If you are unsatisfied or self-conscious about the appearance of your smile due to having a gap or chip in your teeth or some other small flaw, you may be a good candidate for a wilmington dental bonding procedure. There are many benefits to having dental bonding performed as opposed to other dental procedures, such as affordability, the fact that less of your enamel is removed, and that the procedure can generally be completed in one visit. One of the biggest drawbacks to dental bonding, however, is their longevity. In general, dental bonding will last anywhere from three to ten years compared to porcelain veneers, which can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years or longer.
The Dental Bonding Procedure
Prior to performing the dental bonding procedure, it will be necessary to select a composite color that matches the shade of your natural teeth. Once the composite color has been selected, the procedure will begin by etching the surfaces of your teeth to ensure they are ready for the application of the bonding composite. Next, the composite is applied and sculpted to correct the imperfection and is then hardened using a high-intensity UV light. Finally, after the material is hardened it is smoothed and polished. The procedure is relatively pain-free and can typically be completed in one visit.
Maintenance of Dental Bonding
To help prolong the longevity of your dental bonding and avoid issues like staining or chipping, follow these special care guidelines:
- Cut down or eliminate red wine, tea, and coffee. If you do drink these beverages, try to brush your teeth or rinse your mouth soon after doing so.
- Stop/avoid use of tobacco. Tobacco use is one of the quickest ways to stain your dental bonding. If you have been looking for an excuse to quit, preserving the integrity and appearance of your dental bonding is a fantastic reason to do so! In addition to enjoying a bright, healthy smile, you will also significantly reduce your risk of developing other health issues commonly attributed to tobacco use.
- Be careful what types of foods you eat and avoid bad habits, such as biting your nails, using your teeth to open packages, or regularly chewing on things like hard candy, the end of your pencil, or ice. This is especially important for the first few days following your dental bonding procedure, but in general it is important to minimize the amount of exertion placed on the dental bond as much as possible.
By following these self-care guidelines, you will prolong the lifespan of your dental bonding and continue to enjoy good oral health. Neglecting to care for your teeth will increase the chance of a cavity forming near the dental bonding site, which may require a crown to be placed and diminish the lifespan of your dental bonding.
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