Bonding

Dental bonding is the process of applying a tooth-colored resinous material to a damaged tooth, and then hardening it with a special light. The material is bonded to the tooth, and thanks to highly effective color-matching techniques, no one will ever be able to tell the difference between the bonded tooth and the natural ones that surround it.

When Should You Consider Bonding?

Bonding can be highly effective in repairing decayed teeth. In fact, amalgam fillings are hardly ever used anymore, so even if your fillings are in molars, you can throw back your head and grin knowing that all anyone is going to see is natural-looking teeth – no unsightly silver!

Bonding can also be used to repair cracked or chipped teeth, as a cosmetic treatment for discolored teeth, to close spaces between teeth, to change their shape or make them look longer, and even to protect an exposed root if your gums should recede.

How Does It Work?

You don’t need much preparation for dental bonding. It’s generally done in the dentist’s chair, and it’s no different than having a filling. You’ll be given a local anesthetic, and the dentist will select a color for the bonding material that matches the shade of your natural teeth.

The surface of the tooth to be treated will be roughened, and then a conditioning liquid will be applied in order to help the bonding material stick to the tooth. Then, the resinous material is applied, shaped and smoothed, and cured using a laser or ultraviolet light. Following the curing, your dentist will do additional trimming and shaping, and then finally polish the material so that it matches the appearance of the rest of your teeth.

How Long Does It Take?

Dental bonding isn’t a time-consuming process. Usually, you can expect it to take anywhere from half an hour to an hour per tooth.

What Are the Advantages?

Dental bonding is one of the easiest, least expensive cosmetic dental procedures. You can have it done usually in one office visit, unless several teeth have to be treated. The process doesn’t remove much of your existing enamel, unlike other procedures like veneering or filling.

How Do I Care For My Bonded Teeth?

Essentially, you should look after your bonded teeth the same way you do your natural teeth. In other words, brush three times a day, floss at least once daily, and see your dentist for regular checkups.

Keep in mind that bonding material, like your own teeth, can chip. So again, treat your bonded teeth with the same care you do your natural teeth – don’t chew on hard objects, don’t decide that if you can’t get the cap off your beer bottle it would be a good idea to use your teeth, and if it feels funny when you bite, call your dentist.