Fix gaps between teeth and so much more with dental bonding in Murrieta, CA
Are your teeth starting to show their “mileage”? Wear and tear with the passage of time or behaviors such as bruxism (teeth-grinding) can show up on our teeth as chips, fractures, worn-down or “short” teeth, and shape-related irregularities. Over time, teeth may drift, or the gaps that you have had since childhood may no longer seem so “cute.” Fortunately, Scola Family Dentistry in Murrieta, CA can repair these and other cosmetic issues with dental bonding.
Disguise your flaws; get a dazzling smile
Modern dentists such as Dr. Valerie Scola can replicate portions of a tooth or an entire tooth using dental materials that have been fabricated and prepared to “mimic” healthy, natural teeth in every way: how they feel in your mouth, how they look, and how they function. For bonding, we use a type of dental material called composite resin. The resin is matched to the surrounding natural teeth. So, it blends in seamlessly with the rest of your smile. The material is applied to the teeth as a putty. Then, Dr. Scola uses her skills to shape that putty. She may use the resin to cover up chips and modest cracks. The material can also camouflage stained or otherwise discolored teeth, and close gaps between teeth. Your dentist can even sculpt the resin to “reshape” or “resize” a tooth with shape and size irregularities. For instance, excessive wear can result in a tooth that appears overly short. Dr. Scola molds the resin to add “height” to the tooth. Additionally, dental bonding may be used to cover up teeth with very dark stains or intrinsic discoloration. Even professional teeth whitening may not sufficiently improve the appearance of deeply or severely stained teeth.
Dramatic improvement without the hassle
We can transform your smile in one visit. First, Dr. Scola will determine that you are a good candidate for dental bonding. This may be an appropriate treatment if your mouth is healthy. There should also be sufficient enamel to “bond” the resin to the natural tooth. If you have excessive enamel erosion or decay, you may be a better candidate for restorative procedures such as tooth-colored dental fillings and inlays.
Bonding is a conservative, reversible cosmetic treatment. If we move forward with treatment, the natural enamel is only slightly “etched” to roughen the texture of the tooth’s surface. This step in the process helps the resin bond securely to the tooth. After the material has been applied, shaped, and contoured to your needs and preferences, it is hardened and “fixed” to the tooth with a specialized dental instrument.
Treated teeth can look great and remain healthy for years with good oral care. To protect your teeth from conditions such as bruxism, we may recommend oral appliances such as nightguards. Schedule an appointment at our Murrieta office, serving Temecula, Menifee, Wildomar, Lake Elsinore, Sun City, Canyon Lake, and the surrounding area. During your visit, we may find that some of these cosmetic flaws originate from oral health conditions. For instance, uneven spacing may be associated with progressive periodontal disease. In this case, therapies to restore gum health and halt the disease would be appropriate instead of an elective, cosmetic treatment like bonding.
