Tooth Bonding Defined

When teeth are chipped, misshapen, or there are gaps where there should be no gaps, a dentist will often use bonding techniques to alleviate the problem. “Bonding” basically means using dental material and natural teeth together as one. Bonding is painless and non invasive, and is often accomplished in one simple visit to the dentist. There is no fuss – no going in later, nothing that is only temporary, no making a mold – just in and out and then you are done. And the best part is that it is not too expensive.

There are several different bonding methods. One type of bonding is used to link one surface to another. This is mostly used when some other type of filling needs to be attached to a natural tooth. The most common type of bonding is direct bonding. This allows the dentist to paint on the bonding resin right on to the natural tooth, to fill and cover the flawed area. Direct bonding is used mostly for chipped, cracked, or just unappealing teeth. On occasion, the bonding resin is used in place of the cement resin that is used for dental crowns.

The actual bonding process is a mostly simple one. The first thing that happens is that the tooth that is going to be bonded is isolated. This is very important. Tooth isolation ensures that moisture will not interfere with the bonding process. The isolated tooth then undergoes an etching process, where the tooth is made harder. This happens by applying phosphoric acid to the tooth for about fifteen seconds. The acid is the removed, and the bonding resin is applied. The dentist will shape it into its right form. The dentist uses a special light to help harden the resin. The application of bonding resin, shaping, and use of the light, is repeated several times until the perfect shape of the tooth is achieved.

Bonding is relatively cheap and painless. However, if the bonding is done inadequately, severe tooth sensitivity can occur. Not only that, but bacteria can invade and further damage the bonded tooth. Dentists can fix a poorly bonded tooth, so if you do have a tooth bonded and you are experiencing side effects, it is important to go back to your dentist. Tooth bonding is a good idea because it is priced reasonably and it solves normal problems like chipping and cracking.

Teeth Whitening (Dentist vs Home)

Teeth are not naturally stain resistant. They are porous, and are often discolored do to everyday indulgences – like drinking coffee or smoking cigarettes. Luckily for those who have teeth that are stained or discolored (or just not as white as they should be) dentists can whiten teeth. Of course, there are in home treatments that you can purchase at any grocery store. They are cheaper than going to your dentist and having him/her whiten your teeth. However, going to the dentist to get your teeth whitened takes one 45 minute session – and you are done. At home procedures may take weeks, with a 30-60 minute session daily. Both work, but while at home procedures are less costly, they are far more time consuming.

Typically, at the office dental whitening procedures will only take around 45 minutes. Getting it done at the dentist will get you the most dramatic results possible in the shortest amount of time available. When you go to get your teeth whitened, your dentist will use a tooth shade chart. This chart is used to establish your current tooth shade, and your goal shade. During the procedure, a protective guard is placed in your mouth to protect your gums and your lips from the whitening gel. In many cases, gel is applied up to three separate times in one visit. A special lamp is used to shine on the gel to speed up the whitening process. The gel will typically stay on the teeth for twenty minutes until the next application. Teeth whitening procedures done by a dentist are by far more effective in a shorter amount of time then teeth whitening procedures done at home. However, you are paying for the convenience, and they do tend to cause more teeth sensitivity after whitening than any procedure done at home.

At home teeth whitening procedures can take several weeks to take effect. They gel is typically in the form of strip that is placed over the teeth for a designated amount of time – a half an hour to an hour. The strip is then removed. This is repeated up to two times a day for five to ten days. Though it certainly is not as quick as getting your teeth whitened by a dentist, it is far less costly. Many people do find that at home teeth whitening procedures are just as good as making the teeth white as getting the teeth whitened by a dentist, though the at home procedure needs to be repeated every several months.

It is all a matter of preference. Both ways will eventually get you white teeth. One way is much faster, but more expensive, and the other way is much slower, but far more cost effective. If you need your teeth whitened quickly, and have some money that you do not mind spending on the matter, the Florida  Cosmetic dentist is the best way to go. If you have slightly less money and do not need your teeth whitened as quickly, at home whitening procedures are just fine.

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