Our staff at Christopher and Anne Thompson, DDS had fun asking this question to some of our patients, friends, and family. The most common answer among participants in our very unscientific survey was teeth whitening, which isn’t too surprising. Teeth whitening is certainly among the most well-known cosmetic dentistry procedures, thanks in large part to the advertising of the many, many over-the-counter teeth whitening products available today.
Teeth whitening is not the most commonly performed cosmetic dentistry procedure, and we think this answer highlights a very common misperception about what cosmetic dentistry can actually be for anyone who is interested in making improvements or restoring the natural beauty of their smile. In this post we’ll tell you about dental bonding, the most commonly performed cosmetic dentistry procedure, but one many don’t think about when considering their cosmetic dentistry options.
What is Dental Bonding?
According to survey data of cosmetic dentists from the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, dental bonding is by far the most performed cosmetic dentistry procedure.
Dental bonding is a procedure that uses composite resin to fill in spaces between teeth, restore damaged or chipped teeth, fix decayed or discolored teeth, and can be used for a general overhaul of teeth in some situations instead of something more involved like a crown or veneers. A dental bonding treatment plan is shaped around a patient’s unique desires and aesthetic goals and is a highly customizable procedure.
To perform dental bonding, we match a special type of resin to your natural tooth color. Then we use it to fill in spaces, cracks, lengthen, restore, or protect your teeth. The resin is shaped, hardened with a special light or laser, and then polished.
What are the Benefits of Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding appointments are quick and minimally invasive compared to some other types of cosmetic dentistry procedures. It’s an easy, relatively cost-effective way to make significant improvements to someone’s smile. Simple bonding treatments only take about 30 minutes to complete, and most bonding work can be done in about an hour or less.
There is usually little or no discomfort during a dental bonding treatment appointment, and it’s rare for a patient to need anesthesia. This means that most people who have bonding work can also go about their normal routine after an appointment, with only a few restrictions (such as no sticky or crunchy foods immediately afterward).
Thanks for Reading! Contact Us for a Cosmetic Dentistry Consultation
At our Turlock dental practice, we’ve been helping create and restore beautiful smiles for nearly two decades. If you’re thinking about cosmetic dentistry, contact us for a consultation.
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