Dental bonding, also known as adhesive bonding, is the process that can improve the appearance of your smile that are designed, made, and placed in one visit. This means that if you have a larger problem and you need customized, porcelain fillings, we can create them in one visit. Teeth bonding uses moldable, resin, tooth-colored composites that are attached or “bonded” to the remaining tooth structure. This process helps to rebuild the tooth to its original formation.
If you have a minor chip or a gap in between your teeth and you do not want braces, dental bonding may be your ideal fix.
Dental bonding can correct teeth that are:
- Chipped
- Cracked
- Crooked
- Unevenly spaced
- Stained and are not responsive to tooth whitening
- Structurally damaged from tooth decay
The procedure
We will start by preparing you tooth, meaning roughening and shaping the surface. Creating small grooves in your tooth will allow the composite resin to successfully bond to your teeth. Next we will apply a conditioning solution and bonding agent that together act as a strong adhesive to hold the bonding material.
The putty-like tooth colored composite material will then be placed and sculpted fix your problem areas. Several layers of the composite material are usually necessary in order to achieve optimum results.
Once the material is applied, each layer is hardened with a special curing light. After the final layer of composite resin is applied, it is shaped to match the contour of your natural teeth. Composite resin comes in various shades, so you will have a match that is both functional and attractive.
Advantages
One of the best things about dental bonding is that the results look and feels like your natural tooth. Before composite resin was commonly used in dental offices, if your tooth became damaged or decayed, it was often repaired with a silver amalgam filling. These fillings are unattractive, and also require some of your tooth’s surface to be shaved down so the silver restoration could be implanted. Composite requires a minimal amount of your tooth to be prepared, therefore saving much of your natural tooth.
Care: Make Your Bonding Last
The lifespan of dental bonding depends on how much bonding was done and your oral habits. Typically, dental bonding lasts from 3 to 10 years before needing to be touched up or replaced. Because bonding material can chip, it is important to avoid such habits as biting fingernails, chewing on pens, ice, or other hard food objects.
Following the above guidelines will maximize the life of your bonded teeth. If you do notice any sharp edges on a bonded tooth or if your tooth feels odd when you bite down, call Herrick Family Dentistry immediately. Bonded teeth do not require special care. Simply follow good oral hygiene practices. Brush teeth at least twice a day, floss at least once a day, and visit us for regular professional check-ups every six months. Ultimately, dental bonding is a great way to cure small cosmetic imperfections or correct dental defects.
