Dental Bonding

If your teeth are cracked or chipped, there is a reasonable dental solution that will not break the bank and will solve the problem. It is called bonding. In dentistry,” bonding” just means linking together dental material and natural teeth. It is painless and non invasive, and it is a simple procedure that is accomplished in one visit to the dentist. There are no molds to make, no temporary pieces to be replaced later, no fuss – just a fixed tooth.

There are a couple different types of bonding methods. One type is just used to link together one surface to another. This type is sued when another type of filling needs to be attached to a natural tooth, and the bonding resin serves as the bridge in this case. The most commonly used type of bonding is known as direct bonding. Direct bonding is where the dentist applies the bonding resin right onto the tooth and fills in any cracks or other flaws. This is the type of bonding method that is used for the chipped and cracked teeth.
The actual direct bonding process is a simple one. First, the tooth is isolated. This is important because it ensures that moisture will not interfere with the bonding process. The isolated tooth then undergoes an acid etching process to harden the tooth. This is accomplished by applying phosphoric acid to the isolated tooth. After fifteen seconds, the acid is removed and the bonding resin is applied. The dentist molds and shapes the resin around the tooth, using a special light to harden the resin. These steps are repeated several times until the tooth is just the right shape.

Bonding is relatively inexpensive and non invasive. But side effects can occur. If the bonding is done inadequately, bacteria can invade and further damage the bonded tooth. However, the dentist can reverse these effects. Bonding is a good choice for people with cracked or chipped teeth because it does not cost too much money, it is non invasive, and whatever side effects may happen can be countered by the Miami Cosmetic dentist.

Teeth Whitening: What is it?

Because teeth are porous and not naturally stain resistant, they may become discolored. Discoloration occurs for several reasons: grinding teeth, drinking dark colored beverages, smoking cigarettes, age, or trauma. There is good news for people with discolored teeth though: they can be whitened. Your dentist can whiten your teeth, or you can purchase an in home teeth whitening procedure kit from your grocery or drug store. In home teeth whitening procedures are less expensive than going to the dentist, but it takes longer. Using the in home kit may take several weeks, but going to the dentist only takes one session.

Going to the Miami Cosmetic Dentist to get your teeth whitened will only take one session that will take  around 45 minutes. First, you and your dentist will consult a tooth shade chart. This helps establish your current tooth shade and your goal tooth shade. A protective cover is then placed over your lips and gums to protect them from the whitening gel. The whitening gel is then applied. A special light is shined onto the gel to help speed up the whitening process. The gel will stay on your teeth for up to twenty minutes. It is not uncommon for the dentist to apply the whitening gel three times in one visit, though this will vary. Getting your teeth whitened at the dentist’s office is more effective in a shorter amount of time then doing it by yourself at home. However, it does cost more money.

In home whitening procedures may take several weeks to take effect. The gel is applied to the teeth up to twice a day for up to 30 to 60 minutes at a time. This is repeated up to ten days. It is not as quick as getting your teeth whitened by a dentist, but it is far less pricey. And though it takes a while, it will eventually produce close to the same results that going to the dentist’s produces.

It is a matter of preference and budget. Both ways will get you white teeth. Going to the dentist is faster, but it costs more money. Doing it at home is cheaper, but it takes much longer. If you have the money and want a “one and done” tooth whitening procedure, go to your dentist. If you are on a budge but still want white teeth, in home whitening kits are the way to go. Both work just fine.

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