When Is Dental Bonding a Good Option for Kids?

When it comes to pediatric dentistry in Ashburn, parents often assume that they don't have that many restorative options. That's not true at all. Whether your child has a decayed, chipped, or broken tooth, we here at Little Smiles Pediatric Dentistry offer a wide range of restorative services to help fix and improve your child's smile. 

How about dental bonding? Can dental bonding be used to help with some of your child's dental issues? 

Keep reading to find out the answer. 

What Is Dental Bonding and How Does It Work? 

Dental bonding is a cosmetic procedure used to repair chips, cracks, or gaps in the teeth or to change the shape or color of the teeth. It uses a tooth-colored resin material that is applied to the surface of a tooth.

During a dental bonding procedure, the dentist will first clean and dry the tooth. Next, they will apply a bonding agent to the tooth to help the resin adhere to its surface. The resin material is then shaped and molded to the desired form, and a special light is used to harden and set the material. Finally, the resin is polished to match the shine of the surrounding teeth.

The entire process doesn't take more than an hour. Moreover, because there is no need to trim down the tooth's natural enamel, you can always return to your natural teeth. 

But can dental bonding be used in kids too? 

Dental Bonding for Kids

The short answer is that yes, dental bonding can be a good option for kids too. Here's when:

  • To Fix Chipped or Broken Teeth: 

If your child's tooth has been chipped or broken, dental bonding can repair the damage and restore the tooth to its normal shape and appearance.

  • Large Gaps Between Teeth

If a child has gaps between their teeth, dental bonding can be used to fill in the gaps and create a more even and aesthetically pleasing smile. However, if that's the case, it may be better to check with an orthodontist and see if there aren't alignment or bite issues that created the large gap. 

  • Teeth That Are Too Short or Too Long:

Dental bonding can lengthen or shorten teeth that are disproportionate to the rest of the mouth. This can help improve the overall appearance of your child's smile.

  • Cavities

Dental bonding can also be used to fill in small cavities and prevent further decay of the tooth.

The Pros and Cons of Dental Bonding for Kids

Dental bonding is a relatively quick and easy procedure. It can be completed in a single office visit and does not require any special preparation or recovery time. It's also less invasive and expensive than other cosmetic dental procedures, such as veneers or crowns.

The resin material used in dental bonding can be closely matched to the color of the surrounding teeth, making it a natural-looking and subtle option for improving the appearance and function of your child's teeth.

However, the resin material used in dental bonding is not as strong as natural tooth enamel. It is more prone to chipping or breaking and may need to be repaired or replaced more frequently than other restorations.

The resin material may also stain or discolor over time, requiring touch-ups or replacement to maintain its appearance.

Dental bonding is also unsuitable for large or complex repairs, such as large cavities. 

If your child chipped a tooth, for example, and you are looking for restorative options, we here at Little Smiles Pediatric Dentistry can help.

Get in touch with us, tell us about your child's problem, and book their appointment. 

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