Also called cosmetic bonding, dental bonding is made from composite resin. You may already be familiar with this material as composite resin is used for a variety of dental treatments. Composite resin is used for cosmetic bonding, white fillings, and to attach porcelain veneers to the front of teeth. The hard plastic material is versatile because composite resin can be color matched and shaped to look discrete and natural.

How is dental bonding placed?

Our Des Moines cosmetic dentist will conduct a cosmetic consultation to determine your desires for your smile makeover. After determining your goals, Dr. Burds will match your dental bonding to the exact coloration of your tooth. With some light tooth preparation, the liquid composite resin can be shaped on top of your tooth. Using a curing light, Dr. Burds will harden the composite resin and then polish the cosmetic bonding to complete your smile transformation.

How does cosmetic bonding compare to porcelain veneers?

Often called the less expensive alternative to veneers, dental bonding has many of the same smile enhancing abilities. Like porcelain veneers, dental bonding can close smile gaps, hide permanent tooth stains, cover unsightly misshapen teeth, or smooth jagged tooth edges.

Since dental bonding is made from a more porous material, the composite resin is more likely to stain than the porcelain used for dental veneers. Therefore, cosmetic bonding will not last as long as porcelain veneers. However, with frequent dental cleanings and meticulous oral hygiene, you can keep your cosmetic bonding beautiful for up to a decade.

While dental bonding is a natural-looking solution for many of your cosmetic smile issues, porcelain veneers may appear more realistic. Because porcelain mimics the level of semi-translucency in natural teeth, porcelain veneers more closely match the look of a real tooth. Dental bonding is more opaque because of the composite resin material.

Cosmetic Dentistry in Des Moines

To learn more about achieving your perfect smile, or to schedule a consultation, contact your Des Moines dentist by calling Gateway Dental Group at (515) 244-9565. We welcome patients from River Bend, Kirkwood Glen, East Village, and neighboring communities.