Fix Gaps Between Teeth with Dental Bonding
The medical term for the unfortunate gap between your two front teeth is diastema. The American Dental Association, or ADA, reports that about 25% of American adults have this visible gap between their two front teeth. This gap will not affect any logistical functioning of your speech, biting, chewing, or eating. It can though affect your perception on what an ideal smile might be. Most adults generally do not care for this gap and consider it somewhat unattractive. The gap can be easily corrected with orthodontic braces by simply closing the gap, or you might choose the option of having porcelain veneers placed on the front surface of the two teeth to close the gap, or you can also try a quick dental bonding procedure. Dental bonding is the fastest and most economical of the options and the benefits far outdistance the small costs. The following is a brief description of the procedure and the benefits.
The Dental Bonding Procedure
Your bonding procedure can be finished in about an hour, with your dentist starting by slightly roughing up the enamel of the front surface and edges of the two teeth. Then a conditioning liquid or gel is applied to those two teeth. Your dentist will review a shading chart with you to choose the correct color of white that best matches your natural teeth. The next step is a putty-like composite resin applied to the two teeth. Your dentist will sculpt, shape, and smooth this resin by closing the unwanted gap. When this meets everyone’s satisfaction the bonding compound will be set and hardened with an ultraviolet light and then polished to finish. Just like that the gap is gone.
The Benefits of Having Dental Bonding
Not only will the dental bonding procedure close your gap, but it will also cover any cracks or chips. It can even cover stained teeth which provides a whiter smile. This economical treatment does come with some limitations. It is not as hard and durable as your natural teeth, so by biting on ice, or a pencil, or even your fingernails, you can chip the bonding. Smoking, coffee, tea, or red wine can stain the bonding material. You need to be aware of these issues regarding your habits as they might affect the life expectancy of your dental bonding solution.
The Value of Your Smile
Your smile is an undervalued asset. It is foundational in developing both your personality and establishing your level of self-esteem and self-confidence. By simply closing the gap between your two front teeth you can have a major impact on your quality of life. There is data available from research studies that proves if you are pleased with the perception of your smile, it will have a direct impact on various parts of your life. For as little as $300 to $600 per tooth you can secure a life-changing experience. You might also reevaluate some habits to protect your dental bonding. You should continue to schedule dental examinations every six months so your dentist can monitor the improvements of dental bonding and how they complement your new life. Share that new smile and enjoy your big grin.
