Have you ever heard the term “Diastema?” Well, it is the official term for the gap between two teeth anywhere in your mouth, although they are often your front teeth. While some have turned that gap into a signature look – think Michael Strahan, Anna Paquin, Eddie Murphy, even Madonna – many turn to cosmetic dentistry to close the gap for a more uniform look.
If you have a gap that you’d like to close, dental bonding may be your best choice and is a relatively simple, often one-visit process. However, before you make any decisions, you’ll want to understand the advantages and disadvantages of this technique.
Understanding Dental Bonding in South London
Dental bonding is an effective way for your cosmetic dentist in South London to address small gaps, repair chips or minor cracks, or fix tooth discolouration. Dental bonding is the process of applying a composite resin material (the same material that your dentist uses to fill cavities) to the outside of your tooth to change the overall look. But is it the right choice for you?
While dental bonding at first glance may seem ideal – it is relatively inexpensive, non-invasive, and reversible – there are some considerations that may have you looking at other cosmetic dentistry options. Let’s look at the pros and cons:
Pro: Dental bonding is made of composite material, which is far less expensive than porcelain used for veneers.
Con: Dental bonding is not permanent, and you will have to factor in the occasional touch-up.
Pro: Dental bonding is reversible, so if you are not happy, or simply change your mind, you can.
Con: The material used will wear over time, so you may find that you’ll start to see a noticeable difference between your natural teeth and your bonded teeth, leaving you to decide whether you replace or remove, leaving you back where you started.
Pro: Your cosmetic dentist in South London can get a very close match to your natural teeth with dental bonding, leaving you with a uniform and very natural look.
Con: Because composite resin is a very porous material, it takes on stains very easily, so if you smoke cigarettes, drink coffee or tea, or enjoy red wine, this may not be the solution for you due to a high likelihood of discolouration.
Before you make any decisions between dental bonding or another cosmetic dentistry route, take the time to do your homework and talk with your dentist in South London; but know that there is a solution that is right for you. You only have one smile, so let’s make it the best one possible. Call us at Highland Woods Dentistry and let us assess your smile and provide you with the best information to help guide you in your decision.