Fix Gaps Between Teeth With Dental Bonding
Gaps between your teeth (diastema) can occur anywhere, but most frequently occur between your two front teeth. This issue is most commonly addressed through the use of dental bonding, which can be extremely effective in hiding or camouflaging this unwanted space. It is important to be aware that while bonding can be an effective method for closing gaps between teeth, it will not necessarily address underlying issues that may be playing a role in what is creating these gaps in the first place.
If it is determined that there are not significant underlying issues causing the gap in your teeth and dental bonding is right for you, it is important to be aware of certain concerns associated with having dental bonding performed. One important thing to be aware of is that dental bonding, unlike porcelain veneers, can be prone to staining. This is especially problematic for smokers or regular coffee drinkers. If you have a dental bonding procedure performed, it is important to avoid chewing hard or sticky foods and avoid drinking coffee, tea, or any other liquids that can stain the resin for 2-3 days following your procedure.
It is also important to be aware that bonding is not as strong as real teeth, so avoid bad oral habits, such as biting your fingernails or opening packages with your teeth. If these are habits you are unlikely to break, your dental bonding may not last as long as it could, in which case veneers may be a better option for you.
What are Veneers?
Veneers are similar in nature to bonding in that they are also used to address chipped, fractured, decayed, or discolored teeth and have an immediate impact in improving the aesthetic appearance of your smile. Veneers are custom made and fall into two types:
- Composite (direct) veneers: Composite veneers involve bonding resin composite to your tooth and can generally be performed in one visit. This veneer type is more affordable, but will not last as long as porcelain veneers.
- Porcelain (indirect) veneers: Porcelain veneers are designed in a laboratory. This process will require at least two visits and will cost more than composite veneers. Porcelain veneers will last much longer, averaging 10-15 years or more.
How is the Direct Bonding Material Applied?
The dental bonding process will begin with your dentist selecting the composite color that best matches the look of your surrounding teeth. Once this is determined, your dentist will clean and dry the tooth or teeth being bonded. If necessary, your dentist will provide a local anesthetic. Once they have been appropriately cleaned and dried, your dentist will use an isolation technique to prevent moisture from interfering. Next, your dentist will apply a solution to the surface of your teeth, which will strengthen the bonding. Once this solution is removed (usually after 15 seconds), the liquid bonding and composite is applied until the appropriate thickness has been achieved. Once the resin is set, your dentist will clean, polish, and adjust the bonding so it effectively covers the gap between your teeth.
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