COSMETIC DENTAL BONDING
Dental bonding is an excellent way to improve the overall look of your smile. This minimally invasive procedure is painless and involves the use of resin to cosmetically repair teeth. This can be extremely helpful for cracks, chips, and discoloration. While bonding resin isn’t as strong as the material used to fabricate a veneer or crown, it’s sturdy and can hold up to day-to-day eating habits with ease.
If you want to restore a tooth or multiple teeth and address smaller cracks or chips, dental bonding may be the right choice to meet your needs.
BONDING AND SEALANTS ARE SAFE FOR CHILDREN
Bonding or sealants are an effective way to protect children’s teeth while they grow. Children often have bonding placed on their teeth to prevent the spread of cavities or decay while they wait for their permanent teeth to erupt (break through the gums). Most children don’t even know they have had bonding placed on their teeth during a dental visit because it is a quick and painless process. It can be done during a regular exam and following a thorough cleaning of the teeth's surface.
WHAT IS COMPOSITE DENTAL BONDING?
Composite bonding is the process that is used to adhere resin or high-strength plastic to an existing tooth. The "bonding" refers to the adherence of resin to the existing tooth. This bonding is powerful and creates an almost permanent adhesion. While composite bonding is not as permanent as a dental veneer or dental crown, it is an economical and easy way to restore the look of a patient's teeth. There is no need to remove any portion of a tooth before applying the composite bonding agent to the tooth. There's also no need to reduce the size of the tooth like there is with veneers, dental crowns, or even bridges. It is the fastest and easiest way to get a better-looking tooth without a lot of delay and cost.
THE PROCEDURE FOR DENTAL BONDING
When you meet with your dentist, you'll discuss options for repairing and restoring your teeth to their natural look and function. To undergo a dental bonding procedure, you'll have your teeth thoroughly cleaned and examined by your dentist. Then the dentist will apply a solution to your tooth that will help the bonding agent stick to the surface of the tooth. The bonding will be applied in several coats, each layer making the tooth stronger and better looking. The layers are "set" with a special light that cures the resin quickly. When there is enough resin placed on the tooth, it can be shaped into the desired look to match your existing teeth. There's no need for anesthesia when undergoing dental bonding procedures because the work is done on the surface of the teeth.
HOW TO CARE FOR DENTAL BONDING
While composite bonding is not permanent, it can last a very long time with the proper care. Over time, composite bonding may become stained because of the food and beverages you consume. For example, if you drink a lot of coffee or red wine, your bonding could become stained. If you don't brush your teeth on a regular basis, the bonding can develop a build-up of infection-causing bacteria that could be harmful to your oral health. If you notice that some bonding has come off the surface of your teeth, contact your dentist right away. If you discover a crack or chip in the bonding, reach out to your dental office to have it repaired as soon as possible. If you take care of your composite bonding, you can expect it to last upwards of 10 years. While they don't last as long as veneers or crowns, composite bonding is a very economical way to improve the look of your teeth for an extended period without the hassle of having to undergo multiple dental visits.
OTHER THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT BONDING
It’s important to keep in mind that dental bonding is not a permanent solution and won’t completely “fix” chipped or cracked teeth. The bonding material will wear over time and will need to be replaced. This occurs every 5 to 10 years or so (depending on how well you take care of the tooth). While a more permanent solution would be veneers or even a dental crown, it’s important to keep in mind these solutions require the reshaping of natural teeth—which cannot be reversed. If the damage that led to your dental bonding procedure gets worse, though, you may want to consider one of these solutions.
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