Over time, the color and appearance of your teeth can change. Chips, cracks, discoloration, and gaps can leave you with an asymmetrical smile and areas that are more prone to cavities. Cosmetic resin bonding in La Jolla can not only restore a beautiful smile but also help protect your natural teeth.
Call The Art of Dentistry today to schedule an appointment with one of our highly respected dentists. Our focus on restorative and cosmetic dentistry work has made him an expert in developing a natural-looking smile.
Dental bonding uses a tooth-colored material to repair chips or change the shape and color of a tooth. Several materials can be used in bonding, including:
It is crucial to choose the right bonding material according to the treatment area and your goals. For example, glass ionomer bonds are used for fluoride release while resin-modified glass ionomers are used in non-cosmetic areas.
In La Jolla, cosmetic resin bonding requires minimal to no enamel removal and usually no anesthesia, unless we are treating decay. During the process, the tooth surface is roughened to help the resin adhere to the surface. We choose a color-matched composite that is applied, sculpted, and shaped to blend naturally with your teeth. A special UV light is then used to harden the resin within seconds, creating a tooth that is smooth and polished to match the rest of your smile.
Cosmetic resin bonding is an ideal solution when you want a minimally invasive and cost-effective option to address minor dental imperfections. You are a good candidate for cosmetic resin bonding if you have cosmetic flaws that do not affect your tooth’s structural integrity. While cosmetic resin bonding can help to alter your tooth’s appearance, if the underlying structural aspects of the tooth are not strong, the composite will not be enough to maintain your tooth.
Cosmetic resin bonding is also good for people in La Jolla whose teeth have not responded well to whitening treatments and would like to address discolored or stained teeth.
Resin can also reshape or lengthen a tooth so your mouth has an even appearance. To qualify for resin bonding, you must have no active gum disease, cavities, or severe decay and be committed to periodic maintenance to prevent staining over time. If you have severe damage to your teeth, large gaps, or bite issues, cosmetic resin bonding is not a good solution.
There are key differences between dental bonding and veneers. Both can be used to improve the appearance of your teeth, but they differ in the types of material used, durability, and cost. Cosmetic resin bonding uses a tooth-colored product that is applied directly to the tooth and shaped to correct minor imperfections.
La Jolla cosmetic resin bonding is minimally invasive and can be completed in one visit. However, bonding is less durable than veneers and more prone to staining. Cosmetic resin bonding will typically last from three to 10 years, depending on the area of the mouth in which it is used, wear and tear, and maintenance.
In contrast, veneers are thin porcelain shells custom-made to fit over the front of the teeth. They are a more permanent and stain-resistant solution but require the removal of some of your tooth enamel. The veneer process can usually be completed in two visits and typically lasts from 10 to 15 years or longer when cared for properly. While bonding is more affordable, veneers offer greater longevity. The process you use should meet your lifestyle choices.
When you have minor imperfections or gaps in your teeth, consider cosmetic resin bonding in La Jolla to improve your appearance and protect your teeth from bacterial growth. Call us today to schedule your consultation and learn more about how cosmetic resin bonding can address your cosmetic concerns.