Composite bonding has revolutionized dental procedures and has become one of the most important tools of Cosmetic Dentistry. During this process one or more teeth are prepared and the tooth enamel surface is etched with phosphoric acid. The acid creates millions of microscopic holes on the surface of the enamel. After the acid is carefully washed away and the tooth is dried, these etched holes are used to hold white filling material onto the surface of the tooth. A liquid resin is flowed into the etched holes and then hardened using a dental curing light. The new resin coating is literally bonded to the tooth's surface and will not come off.
The resin surface on the tooth allows composite bonding since the white composites can chemically bond to the exposed resin surfaces. The white filling material can now be shaped and contoured to change the original appearance of the tooth underneath. Dental Bonding is often used to close gaps between teeth, lengthen short teeth, repair tooth fractures and change the color of one or more teeth.
Composite bonding is an important tool in a cosmetic dentist's tool box. It is also much cheaper and less destructive than using porcelain veneers to cover teeth. However, the two treatments are different and are used in different ways. Porcelain veneers have the advantage that they do not stain and rarely chip or break. White fillings can stain and do not last as long as porcelain restorations. However, tooth bonding is significantly cheaper and are best used when only minor changes are being made to a tooth.
As Cosmetic Dentistry is undergoing a revolution, so is composite bonding. New techniques and material allow a layering of different white filling materials to create a more lifelike appearance. Translucent materials are now available to give a more natural look to the edges of teeth and tints are available for mimic small natural looking variations inside teeth. Dr. Mark Allan Padolsky, an Atlanta Cosmetic Dentist, loves creating new beautiful smiles and would be happy to meet with you to discuss your cosmetic options. Call 404-874-7428 for your free cosmetic consultation appointment.