A guide to fast and easy smile improvement with teeth bonding in Langley and Brookswood, BC

Many people may be familiar with dental fillings. A colour-matched resin material is applied to “fill in” cavities or holes in the teeth caused by dental decay. That same type of material may be prepared and applied to improve the appearance of the smile. As a “functional artist,” Dr. Harpreet Aulakh is adept at designing and placing dental materials such as composite resin for restorative and cosmetic treatments. From the Smile365 Dental office, Dr. Aulakh may complete teeth bonding for Langley and Brookswood, BC, area patients as a single cosmetic treatment or combined with other procedures, even as part of a full “smile makeover.”

Bonding for teeth

The composite resin material is designed to replace worn or damaged enamel. Be aware that appropriate candidates for bonding must have healthy teeth and gums. So, natural tooth structure should be sufficient to support the bonded material. Excessive wear can be indicative of conditions that may require more extensive, restorative treatment. The material precisely matches the colour of the surrounding teeth. It is designed to blend in seamlessly with your smile. Once applied, shaped, and bonded securely to affected teeth, the prepared resin should function and withstand the forces from chewing and other behaviours no differently than natural, healthy enamel.

Reasons for bonding

We may recommend bonding to cover up any number of imperfections, including:

• Dark stains or intrinsic discoloration that is not responsive to professional whitening treatments.
• Chipped teeth and jagged edges
• Irregularly-shaped teeth.
• “Short” or worn teeth.
• Gaps between teeth.

The bonded material can also strengthen weak enamel. However, we need to understand the potential underlying causes of the imperfections that you seek to treat with bonding. For instance, thin enamel and sensitivity may represent erosion that requires hygiene modifications or products to restore the tooth to health. Likewise, dark stains or discoloured spots can indicate the presence of cavities and other forms of tooth decay. Spacing issues may require treatment with orthodontic systems such as Invisalign®. So, we generally refer to bonding as covering up small blemishes and as a cosmetic “touch-up.”

Advantages of bonding

The bonded material is applied directly to the teeth you wish to alter. No reduction of the natural tooth structure is necessary. So, it is a conservative and reversible procedure. Additionally, since enamel is not removed during the procedure, patients do not experience pain or sensitivity. No anaesthetic is required. Bonding may be completed affordably in a single visit. Patients can enjoy their improved, treated teeth for years by brushing, flossing, and getting professional cleanings and exams as recommended by Dr. Aulakh. Bonded teeth do not require special care or products to look and feel great and retain their strength.

To discuss bonding and alternatives such as porcelain veneers, schedule an appointment at the Smile365 Dental office. Call (604) 409-8660.