Jan
At West Portal Family Dentistry, patients in and around the San Francisco, CA area are encouraged to work with Drs. Terri M. Nguyen and Laura T. Huynh to learn about cosmetic services that are offered to achieve improved aesthetics. The smile may naturally have imperfections, and this is why our dentists offer solutions such as dental bonding services.
Dental bonding is a treatment that is performed to improve the appearance of teeth. It is done during a single appointment, making it highly desirable when compared to porcelain veneers, which are not only more time consuming but also more expensive. Dental bonding is completed with a material called composite resin. This material is tooth-colored and, when placed in the smile, can be difficult to discern from the natural tooth enamel. This makes it perfect for improving imperfections such as:
Our dentists will evaluate patients’ smiles and determine if they could benefit from dental bonding to improve aesthetics. Most patients are proper candidates for treatment and can enjoy same-day results.
The first step in dental bonding is undergoing a consultation visit with our dentists, who can evaluate the smile and ensure that it is in proper health before providing treatment. Patients should be free from cavities and periodontal disease before they undergo any cosmetic services with our practice. Once patients have chosen to move forward with dental bonding, after comparing it with other treatment options, then the smile is treated. The dentist focuses on the area of concern, placing dental bonding onto the tooth and shaping it in place. A special light is used to “cure” the bonding material, which is then filed down and polished to resemble natural tooth enamel. All of this is done in a single appointment, allowing patients to go about the rest of their day without any interruption. It is highly desirable for patients who are on a budget, as it is an inexpensive way of addressing imperfections of the smile. Composite resin bonding can last several years with proper care before it may need to be replaced due to natural staining of the material.
There are alternative solutions that may be available for patients who are seeking cosmetic services. For example, porcelain veneers can provide the same results. Veneers are thin facings made of ceramic material that matches the patients’ existing teeth in shape, size, and color. They are fabricated at a dental laboratory which can take a week or two to complete. Veneers do require that a portion of the enamel be removed, which is irreversible, but once bonded onto the teeth, they can last a decade or longer. Alternative solutions may include orthodontics for teeth that are spaced or misaligned. By speaking with a dentist during a consultation appointment, patients can get a good idea of the services available that can be used to enhance their smiles, regardless of the issues present.
It is important that patients take good care of their smiles to increase the longevity of their dental bonding. Patients should brush and floss their teeth after every meal and pay close attention to their dental bonding. If there are signs that it is becoming loose, they should seek assistance from their dentist as soon as possible. Patients are also encouraged to visit their dentist every six months for a cleaning and examination to ensure that their smile is healthy and clean at all times!
Drs. Terri M. Nguyen and Laura T. Huynh of West Portal Family Dentistry are here to provide patients with solutions and encourage individuals to find out the many ways they can enhance their smiles with cosmetic dentistry. Call the office at (415) 604-9292 and schedule a visit. Our practice is conveniently located in San Francisco, CA at 26 West Portal Avenue, Suite #4, and is here to help patients achieve the results they desire!