Composite Resin Restorations
There are two basic categories of techniques in cosmetic dentistry: direct techniques and indirect techniques. Tooth bonding refers to a direct technique, where the cosmetic dentist applies materials to your tooth, bonds them to the tooth surface, and shapes them to mimic the natural tooth.Tooth bonding can correct gaps between the teeth, can cover spots, chips, and discolorations, can repair fractures, and can re-shape teeth. Tooth bonding is generally used for smaller defects in one or two teeth. When a cosmetic dentist does a complete smile makeover, generally he or she will use an "indirect" technique, such as porcelain veneers, and the veneers will be shaped and baked in a laboratory and then applied to the teeth.
Tooth bonding requires artistic ability on the part of the cosmetic
dentist, since the work is done freehand with no outside help. Colors
must be matched and blended, the tooth must be sculpted, finished,
and polished to a beautiful result. We believe that patients should
seek out specially trained expert cosmetic dentists to have this
done. To find a dentist who is expert in tooth
bonding techniques, please see our referral page. |
This tooth is
discolored
and
chipped.
|
Here is the repair, done with a direct bonding technique |
Here's a sample
of the type of artistry we are talking about. The tooth bonding case
at the left was done by one of our mynewsmile.com network dentists,
Dr. Gary Radz of Denver, Colorado. (For more information about Dr.
Radz, please see our Colorado page.) Note how the bonding is imperceptible
and how the whole tooth looks so natural—perfectly colored with a
blend of natural colors, a translucency and gloss that matches the
natural tooth, and is beautifully shaped. This level of expertise
is not taught in regular dental school classes. Cosmetic dentists
are artists, and tooth bonding demands full use of their artistic
talents and training. |
Here is another case. Notice again the fine detail, the gloss, the mimicking of the translucency of the natural tooth in this tooth bonding repair.
This tooth has a
large chip
|
Tooth bonding restores
the natural appearance of the tooth
|
Composite tooth
bonding is excellent for small defects in the teeth - spots, chips,
or gaps between teeth. For smile alterations involving the entire
tooth or multiple teeth, porcelain
is the material usually chosen by cosmetic dentists.
To read how tooth bonding is done and how a patient should care
for tooth bonding, please see our page about tooth
bonding techniques and care. |
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