When you’re confident about your smile, you can grin from ear to ear in photos. A healthy smile can make a good first impression. Everyone deserves a smile they can be proud of, so taking care of your teeth can be essential for self-care and healthcare.
There are many cosmetic and orthodontic methods for enhancing your smile, from teeth whitening to Invisalign. Straightening your teeth can make a significant difference in the function and appearance of your teeth. Still, orthodontics can’t change the colour or shape of your teeth.
So can patients combine dental services to improve shape and position? Can you get Invisalign with bonded teeth?
What Are Bonded Teeth?
Dental bonding or teeth bonding uses a composite resin—a material that matches the colour of your natural teeth—to help reshape their appearance. Dental bonding is similar to adding veneers but with different materials.
The tooth-coloured resin can repair damage or help enhance shape. For example, dental bonding can add length if a tooth is too short and appears uneven in your smile.
Generally, tooth bonding takes 30–60 minutes, depending on the extent of the repairs or changes. The procedure is similar to having a cavity filled and typically doesn’t require an anesthetic. First, the tooth’s surface is roughened, then the resin is applied directly to the tooth. Next, the dentist shapes the resin before hardening it with a special light.
Bonding can help repair cracked, chipped, or damaged teeth. The composite resin can be painted over stains to alter tooth colour. Additionally, bonding can add to a tooth, such as increasing length, width, or filling gaps between teeth.
Although the resin material can withstand most day-to-day needs, it’s not as strong as your natural teeth. For example, the resin may chip or detach if you bite on a hard substance, such as ice chips or hard candy.
How Does Invisalign Work?
Invisalign is a popular choice for clear aligners, an orthodontic alternative to braces. Rather than traditional wires and brackets, Invisalign uses transparent trays similar to a mouthguard or retainer. With braces, the wires are tightened to help change teeth position, whereas Invisalign patients receive new aligners every 1–2 weeks.
The aligners are nearly invisible and generally work faster than braces. Patients can typically see results in less than 2 years. Invisalign is also considered less uncomfortable when compared to traditional braces. As the aligners are removable, it’s also easier to keep enjoying your favourite foods.
Invisalign treatment uses 3D scans to develop a customized treatment plan with custom-fit the aligners. Common treatable cases include:
Patients can get Invisalign with bonded teeth! Invisalign and bonding can be complementary services.
For example, a patient may remove stains or repair a chip with bonding, then use Invisalign to straighten their teeth. Alternatively, after completing their Invisalign treatment, some of their newly straightened teeth are too short to create an even smile. Adding a few fixes with bonding enhances the appearance of their professionally straightened teeth.
Although patients can have Invisalign with bonded teeth (or have bonding after Invisalign), the order matters. Bonding can be done before or after Invisalign; but not during orthodontic treatment.
Invisalign works faster than traditional braces, but the process is still gradual. Patients may notice flaws mid-way through treatment—such as a stained or chipped tooth. However, the changes aren’t complete. Therefore, it’s best to make any size, shape, or colour adjustments after your Invisalign treatment is finished.
Notably, it would be unusual for a dentist to recommend a cosmetic dental procedure during orthodontic treatment. Altering your teeth would interfere with the treatment.
Is Invisalign Safe to Use with Bonded Teeth?
Although the composite resin isn’t as tough as your tooth enamel, dental bonding can last many years. When you take care of your teeth, you’re also taking care of any fillings, crowns, or bonded material. Practicing good oral habits can help protect the integrity of dental bonding.
Invisalign, like traditional braces, uses force over time to move teeth into place. However, the force shouldn’t affect bonding or any artificial attachments. The aligners use pressure on the whole tooth, so the force isn’t placed solely on the composite resin. As long as your custom-fit aligners are used as directed, your treatment won’t damage bonded teeth.
Before beginning your treatment, patients should discuss any prior cosmetic or restorative dental procedures, such as bonding or veneers. Although your dentist will examine your teeth and complete scans, it can be beneficial to discuss your concerns.
Your dentist will monitor the health of your teeth—including any cosmetic additions—during your Invisalign treatment.
Enhance Your Smile Today
Invisalign and bonding are 2 options for achieving a healthy, beautiful smile. When appropriate, patients can combine orthodontic and cosmetic treatments under the guidance of their oral care team. When you have questions about Invisalign, bonding, or other smile-boosting services, contact Symmetry Dental. We can recommend options available to support your smile. Book an appointment today!
Combining Invisalign and dental bonding can be a transformative approach to achieving the smile you’ve always dreamed of. A radiant, healthy smile is not only a confidence booster but also a fundamental aspect of self-care and overall healthcare. There is an array of cosmetic and orthodontic methods available to enhance your smile, ranging from teeth whitening procedures to orthodontic treatments like Invisalign. While orthodontics can dramatically improve the alignment and function of your teeth, it’s essential to understand that they do not alter the color or shape of your teeth. Dental bonding, on the other hand, is a cosmetic procedure that uses a tooth-colored composite resin to reshape and enhance the appearance of your teeth. This versatile procedure is akin to adding veneers but utilizes different materials. Dental bonding is highly effective at repairing damage, such as cracks, chips, or stains, as well as improving the shape and alignment of teeth. For example, it can address issues like tooth length discrepancies, creating a more harmonious smile. The process typically takes between 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the extent of the changes required, and it is often performed without the need for anesthesia. It involves roughening the tooth’s surface, applying the resin directly, shaping it, and then curing it using a special light. However, it’s important to note that while dental bonding is durable and can withstand most everyday activities, it is not as strong as natural teeth and may chip or detach if subjected to excessive force, such as biting on hard objects.
Now, the question arises: can you get Invisalign treatment if you have bonded teeth? The answer is a resounding yes. Invisalign and dental bonding are not mutually exclusive; in fact, they can complement each other beautifully to provide you with a comprehensive smile makeover. Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that involves wearing a series of clear, removable aligners that gradually shift your teeth into their desired positions. It is an effective solution for addressing issues like misaligned teeth, overcrowding, or gaps between teeth. However, as mentioned earlier, Invisalign primarily focuses on the alignment of your teeth and does not alter their shape or color.
This is where dental bonding comes into play. If you have bonded teeth, Invisalign can still be a viable option for you. Invisalign can work in harmony with dental bonding to create a smile that is not only well-aligned but also aesthetically pleasing. Suppose you have minor imperfections in the shape or color of your teeth that were previously addressed through dental bonding. In that case, you can proceed with Invisalign treatment to achieve the desired tooth alignment without compromising the existing bonding work. Invisalign aligners are custom-made to fit your teeth comfortably, and they can be designed to work around bonded teeth without causing any damage to the bonding material.
The synergy between Invisalign and dental bonding allows for a comprehensive smile transformation. Invisalign can correct misalignments, while dental bonding can address shape and color issues, creating a harmonious and beautiful smile. It’s important to consult with a skilled dentist or orthodontist who has experience in both Invisalign and dental bonding to ensure that the two treatments are seamlessly integrated. This may involve careful planning and coordination to achieve the best results.
In conclusion, the combination of Invisalign and dental bonding is a powerful approach to achieving the smile you desire. Invisalign can effectively correct misalignments and orthodontic issues, while dental bonding can enhance the shape and appearance of your teeth. Together, they can provide a holistic smile makeover, ensuring that your teeth not only function well but also look their best. So, whether you have bonded teeth or are considering bonding in conjunction with Invisalign, the goal remains the same: to have a smile that exudes confidence, leaving a positive and lasting impression. Your smile is a reflection of your self-care and well-being, and these treatments can help you achieve the smile you deserve.
Now, let’s delve deeper into the individual components of this combination. First, let’s explore dental bonding in more detail. Dental bonding, also known as tooth bonding or composite bonding, is a versatile and non-invasive cosmetic dental procedure that can address various issues with the appearance of your teeth. It involves the application of a tooth-colored resin material to the tooth’s surface, which is then sculpted, shaped, and polished to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. The resin used in dental bonding is available in various shades to match the color of your teeth, ensuring a natural and aesthetically pleasing result.
One of the primary advantages of dental bonding is its versatility. It can be used to:
Repair Chipped or Cracked Teeth: Dental bonding is an effective way to restore teeth that have been chipped or cracked due to accidents, injuries, or everyday wear and tear. The resin is applied to the damaged area, recreating the tooth’s original shape and function.
Close Gaps between Teeth: If you have gaps or spaces between your teeth, dental bonding can be used to fill these gaps and create a more even and harmonious smile.
Lengthen Short Teeth: Dental bonding can add length to teeth that appear too short or are uneven, creating a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing smile.
Cover Stains and Discoloration: The composite resin can be used to cover stains and discoloration on your teeth, improving their overall color and giving you a brighter and more radiant smile.
Reshape Irregular Teeth: If you have teeth with irregular shapes or minor imperfections, dental bonding can be used to reshape them, enhancing their appearance and symmetry.
Protect Tooth Roots: Dental bonding can also be used to protect exposed tooth roots, particularly in cases of gum recession, where the roots become vulnerable to sensitivity and decay.
The procedure for dental bonding is relatively quick and straightforward. It typically takes between 30 to 60 minutes per tooth, depending on the extent of the repairs or changes required. Anesthesia is usually not necessary, unless the bonding is being used to repair a cavity. The process involves the following steps:
Preparation: The dentist starts by roughening the tooth’s surface to create a suitable texture for the bonding material to adhere to.
Application: The tooth-colored resin is applied directly to the tooth, and it is malleable at this stage, allowing the dentist to sculpt and shape it as needed to achieve the desired outcome.
Shaping: The dentist carefully sculpts the resin to ensure it matches the natural contours and alignment of your teeth.
Curing: A special light is used to harden or cure the resin. This step ensures that the bonding material becomes durable and securely adheres to the tooth.
Final Touches: Once the resin is hardened, the dentist further refines and polishes it to blend seamlessly with the surrounding teeth, creating a natural and aesthetically pleasing result.
The end result of dental bonding is a significantly improved smile that looks natural and is free from many of the imperfections that may have bothered you. It’s important to note that while dental bonding is a highly effective cosmetic solution, the bonded material is not as durable as your natural teeth. This means that you should avoid habits that could damage the bonded teeth, such as biting on hard objects like ice or hard candy, as this could lead to chipping or detachment of the bonding material.
Now that we have explored the benefits and process of dental bonding, let’s delve into Invisalign, the orthodontic treatment that can complement
Dr. Saleema Adatia earned her Doctorate of Dental Medicine (DMD) from Tufts University in 2006. Since then, she’s been committed to serving her patients’ needs with the utmost passion. Dr. Adatia has owned and operated Symmetry Dental since 2013 and has integrated high-quality services with friendly care into the philosophy of the practice.
With a goal of providing the best patient care possible, Dr. Adatia ensures that her practice stays up to date with the latest dental technologies and techniques. Her personal passion for dentistry stems from a desire to create a positive impact on each patient’s quality of life. Whether that means treating people’s pain or restoring function and beauty to their smiles, the goal is always the same: to help make patient’s lives just a little bit better by working together in harmony.