ByWhat is Cosmetic Bonding?
Cosmetic bonding is a dental treatment designed to improve the look of your teeth using a tooth-coloured material. This material is applied to correct imperfections such as chips, gaps, or discolouration.
The process begins with your dentist selecting a shade of resin that matches your natural teeth. They then prepare the tooth by roughening its surface and applying a special liquid to ensure a strong bond. The resin is then shaped, hardened with a light, and polished to blend seamlessly with your teeth. This procedure is reversible, allowing for adjustments if needed. Cosmetic bonding typically takes 30 to 60 minutes per tooth and is usually painless, though some minor sensitivity may occur.1
In this blog, we will explore who benefits from cosmetic bonding, how it can be combined with aligners or invisible dental braces and the costs of various clear aligners available in India.
Is It for Me?
Cosmetic bonding can be an excellent option for many individuals looking to improve their smile. Here’s when cosmetic bonding might be the right option for you:
- Fixing Chipped or Cracked Teeth: If you have a tooth that is chipped or cracked, cosmetic bonding can repair it. A tooth-coloured resin is applied to the damaged area to make it look whole and smooth again.
- Covering Discoloured Teeth: If your teeth are stained or discoloured, bonding can help. The resin used in bonding can cover these stains, giving your teeth a more even and attractive colour.
- Closing Gaps Between Teeth: For those with gaps between their teeth, bonding can fill these spaces. This helps to make your teeth look more aligned and improves your overall smile.
- Smoothing Uneven or Misshapen Teeth: If your teeth are uneven or misshapen compared to the rest, bonding can reshape and smooth them. This makes them fit better with the surrounding teeth.
- Protecting Exposed Roots: If your gums have receded and exposed the roots of your teeth, bonding can cover and protect these areas.1,2
Cosmetic bonding is often chosen by people who want to make minor improvements to their smile without undergoing more invasive treatments. It is usually done in a single visit to the dentist and is a quick and effective way to address minor cosmetic issues.
If you have minor dental imperfections and want a fast, non-invasive solution, cosmetic bonding could be the right choice for you.
Using Bonding with Invisible Braces
Invisible braces, also known as clear aligners, are a popular orthodontic treatment designed to straighten teeth discreetly. Unlike traditional metal braces, clear aligners are made of smooth, transparent plastic and are custom-fitted to your teeth. They gradually move your teeth into the desired position using a series of removable trays.3
Aligners work perfectly with bonded teeth. If you get bonding done before starting aligners, the aligners will fit over the bonded teeth just like they do over natural teeth without any interference. However, when already undergoing aligner therapy, it is best to avoid cosmetic restorations until the treatment is complete. If bonding is done during treatment, it might alter the shape of your teeth and cause the aligners to fit improperly. This could affect the functioning of your aligners.
After aligner treatment, cosmetic bonding is a good option to fix any final imperfections, such as making a tooth appear even with the others or close any residual teeth gaps. Clear aligners can be very useful before placing veneers, which are thin covering made of resin bonded to your front teeth to improve their appearance. By aligning the teeth first, clear aligners create a better foundation for the veneers, ensuring they fit well and look natural. This preparatory phase can also make it easier for bonding procedures to address discrepancies after the aligners have done their work.4
Aligners are custom-made based on impressions of your teeth. When considering cosmetic bonding with aligners, timing is key. To ensure the best results, it’s important to plan the bonding and aligner treatments as recommended by your dentist.
Invisible Dental Braces Available in India
In India, several brands offer invisible dental braces, providing various options for those seeking a discreet orthodontic solution. The invisible dental braces price in India typically ranges from ₹80,000 to ₹1,20,000, depending on treatment complexity. 5
Toothsi is a leading choice, praised for its virtual and in-person monitoring and ISO 13485 certification. Produced in a state-of-the-art 3D printing facility, Toothsi has successfully treated over 37,000 cases.
Another option is Snazzy Clear Aligners, which offer initial scans, home delivery, and ongoing monitoring.6 Invisalign is also a well-known brand offering comprehensive treatment, though it comes at a higher cost, ranging from ₹1.5 lakh to ₹4 lakhs. 7
Whether you’re considering invisible braces, cosmetic bonding, or both, it’s important to consult with a qualified dental professional to determine the best treatment plan for your needs.
Conclusion
Cosmetic bonding and invisible braces offer effective solutions for enhancing your smile. Cosmetic bonding can address minor imperfections, while invisible braces provide a discreet way to straighten your teeth. These can be used together to achieve remarkable results, creating a beautiful and confident smile. If you’re considering these options, consult with your dentist to explore how these treatments can best meet your needs and help you achieve your desired smile.
