If you're less than happy with the appearance of your smile, then you may have considered cosmetic dental procedures in the past. Unfortunately, cosmetic dentistry can be pricey, and very few procedures tend to be covered by insurance. The good news is that in many situations, a relatively inexpensive and simple procedure known as dental bonding can be used to improve the appearance of your teeth and give you the confident smile you've always wanted.

How Dental Bonding Works

Specifically, dental bonding refers to a cosmetic procedure where a tooth-colored resin is applied to damaged or unsightly areas of an existing tooth. There are many situations where dental bonding can be used in lieu of more expensive and complex cosmetic procedures to achieve a similar result. For example, if you have recently chipped a tooth, dental bonding can be used to fill in the chipped-away section of the tooth, rather than having more expensive dental veneers done.

Dental bonding can also be used to close gaps in between teeth for those who do not want to get braces, and it can sometimes be used to improve the appearance of a discolored tooth.

Pros and Cons of Dental Bonding

The main advantage of dental bonding is that it's an extremely simple and relatively inexpensive procedure that can be performed in most dentist's offices, so there is no need to see a specialist. It is a viable alternative to many more expensive and involved cosmetic procedures, making it a wonderful option for those who may not have dental insurance or whose insurance doesn't cover more extensive cosmetic work.

Furthermore, dental bonding is absolutely painless, so there is no need to go under anesthesia or worry about pain and other side effects after you have it done.

On the other hand, dental bonding may not last forever. You will need to exercise caution when it comes to certain foods (especially crunchy or sticky foods) so as to avoid damaging your dental bonds. Furthermore, if you ever decide to whiten your teeth, you will likely need to have your dental bonding redone, as the material used in bonding does not whiten.

Overall, dental bonding can be a great alternative to more extensive cosmetic work. If you have a chipped, cracked, or discolored tooth that has you feeling self-conscious, consider talking to your dentist about dental bonding and what the procedure could do for you.

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