If you have one or more teeth that could use some help, you might want to talk with your dentist about a dental bond. Bonding has many advantages: dental bonds are inexpensive and easy to place. A dental bond can be shaped to fit your smile, and colored to match the rest of your tooth, making your dental work virtually unnoticeable to others. A dental bond can be used to correct the shape of a tooth; correct a chip or a cover a discolored tooth make your teeth appear longer; and close up gaps between your teeth.

Unless you have decay in your tooth, no anesthetic will be needed in the procedure, and the bonding process usually takes around 30 minutes. First, the dentist will create a resin shaded to match the color of your tooth. The surface of the tooth will be etched, and a conditioning liquid will be applied to help the bond adhere to your tooth. The dentist will then mold the resin into the right shape, and then harden it, usually with an ultraviolet light. When the bond has cured, the dentist will trim it and then polish it until the bond blends in with your tooth.

You should keep in mind that the bond is not as strong as your natural teeth. It can be damaged by biting your nails, chewing on ice or pens, or grinding your teeth. During the first 48 hours, your dental bond is especially susceptible to staining, so avoid dark colored food and beverages.

If your smile could stand some improvement, talk with our dentist, Dr. Trista Pottenger about dental bonds. If you live in the Boise, Idaho, area, you can call 208-350-6795 to make an appointment at High Desert Dental.