However, there is one cosmetic dental treatment that is both affordable and very effective. Cosmetic bonding, also known simply as dental bonding, is the skilful application of a composite resin to various areas of the teeth to improve both their shape and their colour. Cosmetic bonding is a very versatile treatment that can improve the appearance of teeth in many ways.

It can be added to broken or decayed teeth to restore the cosmetic appearance as well as prevent any further damage. It is also widely used to replace the more controversial silver amalgam fillings that have traces of mercury. Bonding can also be used to repair small chips and cracks that occur as a result of dental trauma.

Cosmetic bonding is also widely used to treat teeth that are affected by staining or discolouration. Any discoloured patches are covered by a thin layer of dental bonding, mixed to closely match the appearance of the rest of the enamel. This can be used on one or all of the teeth depending on the patient.

The application process involves putting the bonding into the desired area and manipulating it to the most pleasing position. When satisfied, your Bristol dentist will then set the bonding hard with the heat of a dental laser. The bonded area will then be polished and buffed to resemble tooth enamel, leaving you with healthier looking teeth.

The bonding itself is a tooth-coloured resin that can be shaped before being set hard using the heat of a dental laser. Little preparation is needed before application, with only some minor etching to allow better adhesion to the enamel. Once set, the bonding can be buffed and polished to appear more like the smooth surface of tooth enamel.

There are several major advantages of using dental bonding over other cosmetic dentistry procedures. Unlike veneers and crowns, bonding can be prepared in the surgery during one visit to the dentist. Also unlike veneers and crowns, dental bonding requires little or no removal of tooth enamel so there is no unnecessary damage to the teeth. Another major bonus is that unless filling a cavity, bonding is completely pain-free and requires no anaesthetic.

In some cases dental bonding may not be suitable because of the size of the area needing filling, or the extensive nature of the dental trauma but for small scale repairs and minor cosmetic improvements, dental bonding is the perfect solution. Make an appointment to consult with your dentist to see for yourself the amazing variety of dental problems that can be treated with incredibly versatile dental bonding.

Cosmetic bonding has a wide variety of uses in dentistry. It is most commonly used to fill dental cavities, especially to replace old sliver amalgam fillings that many believe to release dangerous mercury vapours. It is also widely used to repair broken or damaged teeth and also for cosmetic purposes on discoloured or worn teeth. These are just some of the many uses of cosmetic bonding (also known as dental bonding or resin bonding).

Cosmetic bonding is not ideally used to fill large cavities because it loses some of its strength over large areas. In these instances many dentists are turning to computer aided technology to manufacture porcelain inlays for large cavities. These can then be cemented and covered with dental bonding for extra support.

Most dental bonding procedures, unless dealing with an exposed cavity, can be carried out without the use of anaesthetic. The application usually involves etching the surface of the tooth to allow for added grip then spreading several thin layers of dental bonding over the area. This is set using the laser heat source before the bonding is polished and buffed to closely resemble the smooth appearance of tooth enamel.

Nearly all dentists are skilled in the application of dental bonding because of its many uses, however, for cosmetic purposes some dentists are more highly skilled in finishing than others. A Bath dentist will be able to advise you further on the details of dental bonding. call 0117 973 1910 to make an appointment with Dr Gerrard for a consultation.