What is Dental Bonding?

Dental bonding (Drs Leal Spangler & Johnson) is a simple procedure done in one visit to the dental office that can be used for several objectives. First and foremost, it is an economical solution if you have a chipped or discolored tooth. Your smile is an invaluable asset, one that is very difficult to put a price tag on. Your smile is the foundation for your self-esteem and your self-confidence. A chipped or a yellowing, stained tooth can be like having a black eye. Dental bonding is a simple solution. Dental bonding can be used to rectify any one of the following dental problems: a decayed tooth, a cracked or chipped tooth, a discolored tooth, to close the space between two teeth, to make a tooth look longer, to cosmetically change the shape of a tooth, and finally to protect an exposed root when the gum recedes.

The Dental Bonding Process

There is very little preparation necessary, and most often, local anesthesia is not needed. The dentist will rough the surface of the tooth up first, and then a conditioning liquid will be applied. The dentist will use a shade guide to select a composite resin color that matches the neighboring teeth. Then the tooth-colored, putty-like resin is applied to the tooth. The resin can be molded and smoothed until it reaches the final desired shape. At this point, an ultraviolet light or laser will harden the material, and then it can be polished to complete the process. The entire process will take between 30 and 60 minutes per tooth to complete.

Dental Bonding Risks

The material can and will stain. It is most wise to refrain from tea, coffee, colas, and red wine, and also to not engage in smoking for at least 48 hours. The material also is not as strong as your natural teeth, so moving forward, you should avoid bad habits like chewing on ice, pencils, or even your fingernails. The life expectancy of the resin depends on the location in your mouth and your oral habits.

The Benefits of Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is a cost-effective way to fix common cosmetic issues — and the results are immediate. Discoloration is covered, chips and cracks are smoothed out, and your tooth looks like new again. Most importantly, your smile feels natural and confident.

Have a small gap between two teeth? Bonding is a simple solution that avoids the hassle of braces. A small amount of resin is applied and shaped to close the space — quick, painless, and discreet.

Bonding also helps protect exposed tooth roots, which can happen when gum tissue recedes. While the tissue can’t grow back, bonding shields the area and prevents the sensitivity and discomfort that often come with it.

It’s even being used more often as a natural-looking alternative to silver (amalgam) fillings — blending in seamlessly with your teeth.

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