A bright, straight smile can give you the confidence boost you’ve been wanting. Instead of settling for crooked or discolored teeth, cosmetic dentistry solutions such as dental bonding can help you improve your smile overnight. If you're not familiar with the procedure and what it can do for you, here's what you should know.

What Is Dental Bonding?

Dental bonding is a cosmetic dentistry solution that involves applying composite resin to a patient's teeth to fill in gaps or hide discoloration. The dental professional picks out resin that is the same tone as the patient's teeth, allowing for a seamless transition.

The material can last for up to ten years, depending on the patient's eating habits and oral hygiene. When the resin wears out, a dental professional can touch it up or replace it entirely. The bonding material can also be vulnerable to staining or chipping, so it's best to avoid drinking tea and coffee or chewing hard foods.

How Is Dental Bonding Performed?

Before performing the cosmetic dentistry procedure, the dentist will have to check your teeth to catch any issues such as cavities, cracks, and discoloration. In some cases, the dentist will recommend teeth whitening before the treatment so that the composite resin matches the original color of the teeth.

The dentist then uses a shade guide to pick a resin color closest to your natural teeth's color. Next, the surface of the tooth is roughened, and a liquid bonding agent is applied. The resin is then applied over the bonding agent and molded to mimic the tooth's shape. The dentist uses ultraviolet light to harden the material. 

If you're looking for a dental professional with a stellar reputation in cosmetic dentistry, check out Jerry A. Laws, DDS. Serving clients in Lexington, NC, this family dentist has extensive experience in dental crowns, dental bridges, dentures, and other related services. The professionals have been practicing dentistry since 1977, earning the trust of clients ages two to 90. Call (336) 249-7708 to set an appointment. You can also visit their website to find out why clients love their service.