Not everyone wants to invest in orthodontic braces, and not everyone wants to spend almost two years walking around looking like a metal mouth. So why not think about dental bonding to give you the appearance of having straighter – and even whiter – teeth? Dr. Brad S. Haines of White and Haines Advanced Dentistry in Cornelius, North Carolina, discusses how bonding can be done in just one appointment.
Dental bonding can be used as a cosmetic or aesthetic treatment to whiten teeth, or to straighten teeth. It actually works by simply giving the appearance of straighter teeth using the same material as tooth-colored filings. Because it doesn’t actually straighten the teeth, it can be usually be done in just one dental appointment.
Dental bonding works just like veneers. They both virtually instantly give individuals the outward appearance of having straight white teeth, although the structure of the teeth is still actually the same. If they were crooked or crowded before, they will still be crooked or crowded. But the smile on the outside will be straight looking.
Short Procedure
Dental bonding can be done in one appointment, but how long the appointment will be depends on how many teeth you have to do. Technically it is a long procedure that can take take anywhere from two to four hours.
Patients really have a choice to do bonding over porcelain veneers, and to be honest, there are drawbacks to each. Here are some of the benefits of bonding over veneers:
- Bonding can be done more conservatively, meaning you do not have to take excess tooth structure away
- Bonding can be done in one visit
- Bonding is typically less expensive than porcelain veneers
Drawbacks of Dental Bonding
The drawbacks of dental bonding are few. Unlike simply fitting orthodontic braces, it takes a tremendous amount of skill to place dental bonding that looks natural and realistic. I would advise my people to only visit a dentist for this procedure who has years of experience doing dental bonding, and it may be worthwhile to talk to some satisfied patients first, so ask for referrals of happy customers.
The other drawback of dental bonding is that typically it will only look smooth and retain its color for about five to seven years, whereas veneers can last upwards of 20 years. Still, dental bonding is by far the less expensive option, and if you want an immediate effect, it is definitely worth it with the right dentist.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
