All too often, people decide to put off dental repairs. Tight budgets, fear of dental drills, and busy schedules keep people away from dental offices—even though some issues are easy for dentists to fix. For example, advances in composite resin materials have made it possible for cosmetic dentists to completely rebuild and repair teeth in a single visit, saving patients everywhere time, money, and the embarrassment of living with an imperfect smile. Here are two reasons you should ask your dentist about cosmetic bonding, and why you shouldn't be nervous about your appointment:

1: Bonding Can Be Use To Correct A Huge Range of Problems

Don't worry about having to drop upwards of $3,000 on a porcelain crown to cover that unsightly tooth. Composite resin repairs start as low as around $100, and can be used to correct these problems:

• Gaps: You might not need expensive braces to close that gap between your two front teeth. By adding a small amount of composite resin to either side of your teeth, dentists can close gaps to make your smile look perfect.
• Misshapen Teeth: Were you born with strangely shaped teeth? Don't let those extra-small incisors ruin your look. Dentists can use dental bonding to lengthen or change the shape of your teeth so that your smile looks more natural.
• Root Exposure: If you have root exposure due to aggressive brushing, medical conditions, or previous periodontal disease, cosmetic dentists can cover the area by adding composite resin. These repairs can ward off dental sensitivity so that you can enjoy the foods that you love.
• Chipped Areas: Dental bonding can even be used to repair small fractures, such as chips or cracks.

Before your cosmetic dentist can add composite resins to your teeth, he or she will need to clean the area, remove decay, and prepare the surface by applying a mild acid to your teeth. This acid, called etch, creates microscopic cracks in the surface of teeth that helps the bonding to adhere. After the area is prepared, your dentist will sculpt the resin around the existing tooth, cure the composite with UV light, and then polish the area so that the repair blends in perfectly. The entire process is quick and painless, leaving you with teeth that you can be proud of.

2: Bonding Lasts A Long Time

Don't worry about that composite repair failing anytime soon. Believe it or not, dental bonding repairs can last as long as 10 to 15 years if they are applied correctly and cared for by the patient.

To ward off problems, visit a cosmetic dentist to have dental bonding applied. While most general dentists offer a limited variety of cosmetic procedures, cosmetic dentists typically specialize in applying artistic composites and shaping teeth, which might improve your results. To protect bonded areas, cosmetic dentists recommend brushing your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush, and avoiding abrasive toothpastes. Although dental bonding is incredibly strong, it can wear differently than your natural enamel, which is why abrasive toothpastes aren't recommended.

Because your bonded repairs will blend in perfectly with your teeth, it can be hard to remember where repairs have been made. To take care of repairs, snap a photo of your new teeth, print it out, and mark the areas that contain composite resin. Try to avoid opening things, chewing ice, or biting your nails with the teeth that have been repaired. Bonding is incredibly strong, but it can break free if enough pressure is applied. Fortunately, fixing bonded areas is as simple as visiting your dentist and having the area patched up with additional material.

By asking a dentist, such as Dr. Daniel Bade DDS, to repair your teeth with dental bonding, you might be able to enjoy a prettier smile—without breaking the bank.