Dental Bonding: Questions and Answers

Patients experiencing cosmetic dental issues, such as chipped, cracked, or tooth decay, may pursue bonding to resolve the problems. This procedure may occur in conjunction with orthodontics treatment.

Overview

Applying a white composite resin to the surface of teeth covers damage and discoloration that could occur from some foods and beverages. Bonding is a simple treatment, and dentists usually do not need to administer anesthesia.

Procedure

For this orthodontics procedure, the dentist finds the correct shade to match existing color and then etches the tooth surface to make it slightly rough. After applying a conditioning liquid to the surface, the bonding material is molded and smoothed onto the tooth. A laser or UV light hardens the resin, and then the dentist performs final trimming and shaping, before polishing it to match the surrounding teeth.

The process for one tooth takes about 30 minutes. If a patient wants bonding performed on more than one tooth, multiple appointments may be necessary.

Finding a reliable dentist who performs dentistry services and orthodontics can help patients receive bonding treatments for their dental issue.

Invisalign or Traditional Braces, Which Is the Best Choice?

Most people recall the traditional metal braces that were most common years ago. They work well, but they come with a plethora of problems, including discomfort. They also make dental hygiene challenging as food particles get caught in the wires and may require yet another visit to the orthodontics specialist. However, traditional braces do cost less and move teeth into proper alignment over time.

However, there is an option that is just as effective, more comfortable, and nearly invisible. Invisalign braces gently move the teeth into proper alignment without wires. They are removable for hygienic purposes, which also allow you to eat whatever you want—a benefit that is not permitted with traditional metal braces.

According to an article in Medscape, recent studies show traditional braces require a longer duration of treatment by up to 2.5 months with longer, more frequent visits that are necessary for adjustments. Plus they often require more emergency visits to the orthodontics specialist. The initial cost for Invisalign braces is higher than the traditional alternative, but only the client and the dentist can decide what will work best.

Exciting Breakthroughs in Oral Cancer Prevention

The VELscope® Vx has been skyrocketing in the orthodontics world. It’s an improved and powerful device that is safe for examinations. This piece of technology can detect pre-cancers, cancers, and other oral diseases. The blue fluorescent light is the main source in making everything visible that the eye won’t be able to catch. Below are some of the major advantages you can expect from orthodontics who use the VELscope® Vx.

1. It uses noninvasive wavelengths to identify cellular, structural, or metabolic changes in the patient to alert the orthodontist to any diseases.

2. These high-tech examinations will not add any time to hygiene exams, as the average test lasts only two minutes.

3. It provides easy to see visual information for both the orthodontist and the patient so that they can make the most informed decision, together.

4. It’s instrumental in establishing lesion margins for later surgery.

5. It is one of the most important tools to quickly identify and stop oral cancer.

The VELscope® Vx has improved the way many orthodontics examine and check their patient's oral health.