When most people think about dental treatment, they typically think about complex, elaborate, expensive procedures that require sharp tools and much time to complete. While that stereotype might be true for some cosmetic procedures, though, they certainly aren’t for everything. Dental bonding is one of the more overlooked cosmetic procedures, which is disappointing because of how quick and simple and affordable the process is. Luckily, at Hatch Family Dentistry in Tempe, Dr. Mason Konkle, Dr. Jennifer Konkle, and Dr. Hyrum Hatch provide dental bonding services for patients in the greater Phoenix area.
On the surface, dental bonding might not sound like very much. Dental bonding involves the application of an incredibly thin layer of resinous material to the surface of the teeth. When exposed to a special light, this resin will bond and harden, enclosing the tooth in a protective case. This extra layer of protection, while it might not have the same durability and potential longevity of a veneer or crown, can be very effective at cosmetically enhancing the tooth (see below).
First of all, the tooth itself has to be prepared. A special liquid that roughens the surface needs to be applied to assist with the actual bonding phase. Unlike the procedure involved with veneers and crowns, the resin is thin enough that no enamel needs to be removed.
Once the tooth is ready, the color of the resin has to be carefully adjusted to make sure the final result matches the color of your teeth perfectly. The resinous material will be applied to the surface of the tooth. Your dentist will carefully spread and mold the material until it fixes the designated problem. After making sure the look is perfect, he or she will shine a UV light over the tooth until the resin chemically bonds to the tooth and hardens into a protective shell.
For such a simple and comparatively quick procedure, you might be surprised by the number of dental problems bonding can solve. Dental bonding is typically used as a cosmetic solution, though it can restore function as well. The most common reasons patients choose dental bonding include the following:
If you’re interested in getting dental bonding done or simply want to know what your cosmetic dentistry options are in the greater Phoenix area (Tempe, Chandler, Mesa and Ahwatukee), give Hatch Family Dentistry a call. One of our dentists or staff would be happy to discuss any questions you might have about an upcoming treatment, or book a consultation so you can discuss any potential new treatment plans with your dentist.
Just call our office at (480) 838-3073, or visit our website to set up a time today!