Dental bonding is a quick and easy cosmetic treatment that covers minor cracks, chips, discoloration, or spaces between teeth. Unlike veneers, it doesn’t require multiple visits.
Your dentist selects a composite resin color that closely matches your existing tooth, then roughens the surface for better adhesion. He applies the liquid and composite resin to the tooth, molds it, and hardens it with a UV light.
Repairing Chips and Cracks
Teeth bonding fills in and covers minor chips, cracks, and other small physical defects in a tooth to make it look whole again. It’s a non-invasive treatment, and anesthesia is usually not required unless the dentist needs to drill to change the shape of the tooth or because the chip is near a nerve.
The composite resin used for dental bonding can be color-matched to your tooth, and a layer of this material is spread on the surface of the tooth and cured with a special light. The dentist can then shape the bonded area and polish it to give it the appearance of a natural tooth. The procedure is simple and inexpensive compared to other restoration methods, such as porcelain veneers. However, it’s not as durable and isn’t as stain-resistant.
Dental bonding is a cosmetic treatment, so insurance companies typically don’t cover the costs. However, it’s relatively low-cost compared to other restoration options and is often considered an excellent value.
As with your natural teeth, the longevity of dental bonding depends on proper oral hygiene. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and getting regular dental cleanings can help extend the lifespan of this restoration. Patients should also avoid biting their nails, chewing on pens and pencils, or smoking as these habits can chip or discolor a bonded tooth.
Filling Small Cavities
Dental bonding is a popular cosmetic treatment for tooth chips, cracks, and discoloration. It is also used to fill minor cavities, preventing the spread of decay and strengthening your teeth against future damage. The process usually takes just one appointment, and the dentist will numb the affected area so that you do not feel any pain during the procedure.
The dentist starts the procedure by selecting a shade of composite resin material that matches your natural tooth enamel color. They then prepare the tooth by roughening it and applying a conditioning liquid to help the material stick. Once the tooth is ready, they apply the resin and use a high-intensity light to harden it. The dentist may then trim, shape, and contour the resin to create a naturally appealing look.
Bonding can also close minor gaps between your teeth, making your smile appear more even. It is an excellent option for people who do not want to undergo teeth straightening treatments, as it offers a more subtle and conservative solution to improve the appearance of your smile.
Bonding is a durable solution that, with proper care, can last as long as ten years before it needs to be replaced. To prolong the life of your bonding, brush and floss as you normally would, and avoid chewing on objects or foods that are very hard. You should also visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.
Lengthening Teeth
Aside from repairing chips, dental bonding is also used to close gaps and make minor adjustments in the appearance of teeth. It’s ideal for patients who want to lengthen their smile but do not have enough space for orthodontic treatment or a dental implant. In this case, a dentist can use the composite resin to cover and fill the gap, and then shape it for a natural look.
Another reason for many people to choose tooth bonding is its lightning-fast treatment time. While braces or veneers can take months to straighten out gaps and address other cosmetic concerns, dental bonding takes only one appointment.
Before starting the procedure, a dentist will examine the tooth in question and pick the right shade of composite resin to match the color of the rest of the teeth. Then, the dentist will etch the surface of the tooth to roughen it up and help the resin adhere. Next, the dentist will apply the bonding material to the tooth and cure it with an ultraviolet light before smoothing it down and polishing it for a natural look.
As with your natural teeth, it’s important to practice good oral hygiene after dental bonding procedures to keep them looking and functioning their best. This includes daily brushing, flossing, and routine dental checkups. Also, avoid bad habits like biting your nails or chewing on non-food objects, which can damage the bonds and break them down more quickly.
Whitening Teeth
One of the most common uses for dental bonding is to improve tooth color. The composite resin used in this procedure can be closely matched to the natural shade of your teeth, concealing unsightly stains and giving you a brighter smile. However, bonded teeth do not respond to traditional whitening treatments, such as bleaching agents and whitening toothpastes. This is because the actual composite material does not have the same structure as natural tooth enamel.
Whitening bonded teeth can be done, but it requires some extra care. It is important to follow good oral hygiene practices, including brushing twice per day, flossing, using mouthwash, and visiting your dentist for regular cleanings and checkups. It is also helpful to avoid consuming staining foods and drinks, such as dark-colored berries, coffee, red wine, tea, and smoking or chewing tobacco.
In addition, if you are planning to whiten your natural teeth before getting bonding, it is a good idea to do so first and then replace the composite resin with a lighter shade to match the new tooth color. This will ensure that your smile looks consistent and natural. If you are considering teeth whitening as an option for improving the appearance of your smile, contact us today to schedule an appointment with our skilled team. We look forward to helping you achieve a radiant, confident smile.