Since dental composite (the restorative material that is used with dental bonding technique) is tooth colored, there are times when a dentist places bonding not just to make a repair but to also enhance a tooth's cosmetic appearance. Here are some examples of how a dentist might use cosmetic dental bonding.
Cosmetic applications for dental bonding technique.
2) Closing spaces in gap-toothed smiles.
3) White fillings for front teeth.
Cosmetic application #1 :
Using tooth bonding to create dental composite veneers.
You may already be familiar with the term "porcelain veneer"
(Topic Index). If not, a porcelain veneer is a wafer thin shell of porcelain that a dentist bonds onto the front side of a patient's tooth so to enhance its cosmetic appearance.
In similar fashion, a dentist can use dental bonding to create a veneer covering for a tooth's front surface. In fact, creating veneers out of dental composite (the restorative used with dental bonding technique) predates placing porcelain veneers by several decades.
How do dentists create veneers out of dental bonding?
Using tooth bonding materials to create a veneer for a tooth is a fairly straightforward process and entails essentially the same steps as with any other type of tooth bonding procedure. What is unique about creating composite veneers is the great amount of artistry required on the part of the dentist.
When a porcelain veneer is made the dentist takes an impression of the prepared tooth and then sends it to a dental laboratory where a technician makes the veneer on a plaster cast that is made using the impression. In comparison, when a veneer is created out of dental bonding it is the dentist who is the artisan. And unlike a dental technician who is working on their own in their laboratory, a dentist has to achieve their results right there during the dental appointment, within the amount of time that has been allotted.
When a dentist places cosmetic bonding there are a number of issues which they must address. Is the dental bonding being used the right shade? Is this shade appropriate for the entire tooth, or just one part and then another shade is needed for other aspects of the veneer? Is the veneer too bulky? Does it have enough bulk to adequately mask the cosmetic defect being hidden? Is the veneer the right shape, is it truly a mirror image of the same tooth on the patient's other side? Are the gum line edges of the veneer tapered and smooth so dental plaque can be properly brushed and flossed away? It's no small feat for a dentist to use dental bonding to create a composite veneer that is both beautiful and functional.
Dental anesthetic may not be needed when dental composite veneers are placed.
As is the case with many types of cosmetic bonding procedures, dental anesthetic may not be needed when dental composite veneers are placed. The necessity for anesthetic usually hinges on the amount of tooth reduction that is planned. When composite veneers are placed it can be possible that very little tooth reduction is needed and therefore no dental anesthetic will be required.
What are some of the advantages and disadvantages of using cosmetic bonding to create dental veneers?
A dentist can usually achieve the same general types of cosmetic changes for a tooth with either porcelain veneers or dental bonding. There are however advantages and disadvantages to each method. Our next page discusses this topic in detail.
Topic Index for :
Cosmetic uses for tooth bonding.
