Can Dental Bonding Fix Gaps?

According to research, about 25% of American adults have noticeable teeth gaps. While most people are only concerned about the aesthetic effect this causes, there is more. Improper teeth gaps can cause a significant impact on your oral functions, such as biting, chewing, and speaking. Similarly, these gaps encourage plaque build-up, potentially exposing you to cavities and gum disease.

Fortunately, your dentist can help you close undesirable gaps between your teeth. Standard procedures used to correct teeth gaps include dental veneers, dental bonding, traditional braces, and clear aligners like Invisalign. If you have large dental gaps, your dentist will likely recommend orthodontic treatments such as braces and Invisalign.

Porcelain veneers and dental bonding are ideal options for minor to average teeth gaps. Comparing these treatments, dental bonding is by far the most economical and quickest option to improve the appearance of your smile. Similarly, since it doesn’t require teeth-shaving like veneers, your tooth’s integrity is preserved, making the procedure reversible.

What is Dental Bonding?

Teeth bonding is a cosmetic procedure that involves applying tooth-colored resin materials to a tooth to alter its shape, size, or appearance. To make the results as natural as possible, the dentist uses a composite resin material that closely matches the color of your natural teeth.

Generally, the procedure is pretty quick and only requires a single appointment. The entire treatment should take about 30 minutes to 1 hour to complete. You might not even require anesthesia.

Dental Bonding Procedure

The procedure typically involves:

Initial consultation – Before scheduling you for dental bonding, your dentist must examine your candidacy for the procedure. Patients with minor teeth gaps will likely be a good candidate for dental bonding. Your dentist will also inspect your teeth for potential problems such as cavities.

Preparing the tooth – Once the dentist has established your eligibility for the procedure, they will prepare the tooth. The dentist will apply an acidic solution to the tooth’s surface to roughen it. Next, a bonding agent is applied to the tooth to allow easy bonding.

Bonding the tooth – Next, the dentist applies a putty-like composite resin material to the tooth to fill the gaps. Next, the bonding material is shaped to look like a natural tooth. The dentist then uses a special UV light or laser to harden the material. Lastly, the tooth is polished, and you’ll be good to go!

In addition to closing minor teeth gaps, dental bonding is also effective for correcting minor dental imperfections such as:

• Teeth chip and cracks
• Tooth stains and discoloration
• Receding gums
• Minor cavities

Considerations for dental bonding for teeth gaps

While dental bonding is highly effective in correcting minor teeth gaps, it’s not ideal for everyone. For instance, if you have significant teeth gaps, your dentist will likely recommend orthodontic treatments such as braces and Invisalign. If the gaps are caused by tooth loss, you might need dental implants, bridges, or dentures to close the gaps.

Similarly, you should get dental bonding if you’re planning for a tooth whitening procedure – unless you do it before the bonding procedure. During the bonding treatment, the dentist uses a composite resin material that closely matches the color of your natural teeth. If you whiten your teeth after dental bonding, the bonded tooth will remain dull, which will negatively affect your smile.

Additionally, you should note that the composite resin material used to bond the tooth is porous. Staining habits such as smoking and consuming highly pigmented items like coffee, tea, red wine, and food colors will likely stain the material over time.

Lastly, the composite bonding teeth aren’t as strong and durable as your natural teeth’s enamel. Damaging habits like chewing hard items like nails and pens can cause the bonding to chip or crack, causing the need for repairs or more invasive treatments.

Dental Bonding Aftercare

Fortunately, teeth bonding is easy, and recovery is almost instant. However, your dentist will ask you not to smoke or consume any items that can stain a white piece of cloth for the next 48 hours. Along with that, use these tips to care for your bonded tooth and mouth:

• Avoid chewing sticky and hard items
• Limit your intake of highly pigmented items like coffee and soda. If possible, use a straw and rinse your mouth thoroughly afterward.
• Avoid damaging habits like chewing nails
• Quit smoking
• Schedule regular dental checkups and cleanings

Schedule an Appointment Today

Are you interested in dental bonding in Burlington, ON? Contact Walkers Line Dental Centre to book your appointment.