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can dental bonding fix tooth gaps?

While some may say that the gaps between your teeth are part of your charm, you are not really happy with the appearance of your smile. You are looking for ways to correct this minor imperfection. However, veneers seem a bit too much. You don't know if you want a permanent cosmetic treatment and would like to have the option of reversing the procedure. So, you are looking into dental bonding

But, you have one big question:

Can Dental Bonding Fix Tooth Gaps? 

Yes, dental bonding can be used to fix small gaps between teeth. The entire procedure is quick, painless, non-invasive, and very effective. We'll tell you more about what to expect during the treatment in a short bit. 

In the meantime, it's important to note that while dental bonding is less expensive and quicker than veneers, the material used isn't as strong as your natural teeth. It may not be the best long-term solution for larger gaps or if you have a habit of biting your nails or chewing on pens, for example. 

You should also know that the bonding material can discolor over time and you will need to replace it about every 5 to 8 years. 

How Does Tooth Bonding Work? 

The great thing about dental bonding is that you can get a new smile in as little as one appointment. 

Before anything, your dentist will make sure that the composite resin color they will use matches the color of your existing teeth. So, if you want more striking effects, you could consider whitening your teeth first

After the color matching, the dentist will roughen the surface of the tooth to help the bonding material adhere to it. 

Next, they will apply a tooth-colored resin to the tooth and mold it to cover the gaps and restore the tooth. 

The dentist will then use a UV light to harden the resin. Once the resin is hardened, they will trim it until it's the right fit. 

The entire process usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour per tooth. 

Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Bonding? 

Dental bonding can be used to treat a wide variety of cosmetic dental problems, not just gapped teeth. Your dentist will look at other factors too to make sure dental bonding is the best option for you. 

  • The severity of the gaps: In most instances, dental bonding can be used to treat gaps between teeth. But, if the gaps are too wide or if the problem is more structural, then your dentist may recommend alternative treatments, such as braces or veneers. 
  • Your lifestyle: Habits like smoking, and consuming staining foods and drinks excessively can limit the lifespan of your dental bonding, making it an ineffective solution. The same goes for using your teeth as tools, a habit that could damage your dental bonding. 

Is Dental Bonding Right for Me? 

Our dental team at North Billerica Smiles can help you find out the answer. 

Get in touch with us to book your appointment.