Dental bonding … Making imperfections in the smile disappear in just one visit!
Dental bonding is the closest thing that we as dentists have to waving a magic wand and making your smile imperfections disappear! Our dentist at Dental Arts of Orland, Dr. Scott Lang, has transformed smiles in just one appointment with this non-invasive process. You can arrive at our Orland Park, Illinois, office with chipped, gapped, slightly cracked, discolored, and otherwise “flawed” teeth. You can leave with a flawless- and natural-looking smile a short time later.
How is this possible?
For the appropriate patient, dental bonding can cover up imperfections in one visit. There is no need for a follow-up appointment due to how Dr. Lang designs and completes this particular cosmetic dentistry treatment. Dr. Lang’s considerable artistry and skill shine when he prepares, shade-matches, and then applies and shapes the composite resin material to cover up the flawed surfaces of the teeth. Once everything looks and feels perfect, he hardens and bonds or secures the composite to each tooth with a special curing light. Now that the composite resin has been applied to the tooth, the once visible imperfections have vanished—like magic!
Is bonding appropriate for all “cosmetic imperfections”?
It depends on the nature or severity of your concern. For more extensive chips and cracks, Dr. Lang may recommend alternative treatments such as inlays or onlays to strengthen vulnerable teeth. Additionally, for more extensive spacing or alignment issues, you may be an appropriate candidate for treatments like Invisalign®, the “braces-free” way to straighten teeth and correct bite problems.
Can bonding be used to resize or reshape a tooth?
Yes! Dr. Lang can add more material and shape the composite in a way that lengthens a worn-down tooth or one that appears overly short when compared to the other teeth when you smile. He can also add and shape the composite to widen a tooth that appears overly narrow. Lastly, Dr. Lang has successfully reshaped all sorts of teeth with bonding, including those with very jagged or pointy edges that detract from the smile’s overall appearance. We aim for symmetry, understanding that a harmonious smile is aesthetically pleasing and eye-catching.
How does bonding compare to veneers?
Veneers are typically made from dental porcelain. This material resists stains well and is known for its strength and natural-looking appearance (it replicates the properties of enamel seamlessly). This is not a “one-and-done” treatment, however. It generally requires two appointments. During the first appointment, enamel is removed so the veneer will fit on top of the tooth properly. A temporary is also applied while our lab makes the permanent veneer. During the second appointment, the permanent veneer is secured to the tooth. Veneers are highly attractive, durable, and stain-resistant. Bonding is more affordable, fast, and conservative – it does not require the removal of any tooth structure.
As you can see, there are many potential considerations. Dental Arts of Orland wants to help you make the most well-informed decision about your oral health and smile. Call our Orland Park, IL team at (708) 401-6611 today to get started.
