With so many cosmetic improvements that can be made to your pearly whites, it can be hard to choose the best option for your needs. Professional whitening can lift surface-level stains and gum contouring can fix a gummy grin. But what do you do if you have discoloration below the enamel? This may appear as white, yellow, or brown spots on your pearly whites which can be caused by trauma, fluoride overuse, and other problems. To disguise the appearance of these problems, Sunny Smiles in El Paso, TX, uses composite resin to bond to the area. This simple correction can leave you with an even-appearing smile.
How Bonding Works
As mentioned previously, your dentist will add composite resin to the area you would like to address. This material is highly durable, easily bondable, and will blend in with your smile. We also use composite resin for filling cavities, as it is safer than many other materials. This is a non-invasive procedure that can be performed in a single appointment. Before this treatment, your dentist will examine your smile to ensure that this is the best option for you. If you have problems that should be addressed with restorations instead of cosmetic changes, they will discuss a treatment plan with you.
When A Restoration Is Necessary
Bonding can be used to address minor chips or cracks to your tooth. However, if there has been severe harm done, such as a large break, an alternative treatment will be necessary. If the area is free of infection, a dental crown may be used to repair and restrengthen the area. If the tooth is infected, you may need a root canal to save it or have it removed depending on the severity. For patients looking to address several visual problems at once, veneers may be suggested instead. This is a cosmetic treatment that uses porcelain shells to cover the front of the tooth. This is a long-lasting solution that can boost the appearance of your smile.
Pair Bonding With Contouring
You can choose to have bonding done alone or combine it with contouring. Tooth contouring is a method used to reshape your teeth. This is helpful for patients who have pointy, jagged, overlapped, or uneven pearly whites. Using a gentle tool, a small portion of the tooth will be shaved down to improve the look. This is a mildly invasive procedure and sedation options may be available beforehand to ensure your comfort during the appointment.
Schedule Your Appointment Today
Composite resin bonding can improve the appearance of your teeth and repair minimal damage. If you are interested in this treatment, call Sunny Smiles Family Dentistry in El Paso, TX, today at 915.759.7000 to schedule your appointment.