What Is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding uses composite resin, the same material used for composite fillings, to shape and restore a tooth. Teeth that are chipped, cracked, or broken can be rebuilt with composite resin in a process called Bonded Restoration. This repair will restore the tooth to a like new condition and can last a long time with proper care. Dental bonding is also used to enhance the look of your smile by reshaping teeth, correcting color, and closing gaps without the need for veneers or orthodontics.
How does dental bonding compare to other options?
There are several options available for restoring your teeth or achieving your ideal smile. The best option for you will depend on your specific needs. During your appointment, we will be happy to discuss all of your choices and explain the pros and cons of each. This way, you can make an informed decision. Here are some benefits of dental bonding:
Quick and painless
With procedures like fillings or dental veneers, some drilling is usually necessary to prepare the tooth. This is rarely the case with dental bonding. Little to no tooth structure needs to be removed, making the bonding process almost always completely painless.
Low upfront cost
More extensive treatments, such as dental veneers or orthodontics, come with higher costs. These treatments require a more personalized and complex approach due to the more dramatic changes they produce. For minor changes to just a few teeth, dental bonding is a simple and affordable option.
Great for small repairs
It’s important to note that if you are looking to make significant changes to your smile, treatments like dental veneers, crowns, or orthodontics may be better suited for you. However, dental bonding is ideal for making minor adjustments or repairs.
The dental bonding process
Whether you are getting dental bonding to restore a tooth or purely for cosmetic reasons, the process remains the same. Here’s what you can expect at your dental bonding appointment:
Preparing the tooth
First, your surrounding teeth will be protected with a thin plastic sheet known as a dental matrix. This matrix prevents any preparation gel or composite resin from touching your neighboring teeth. Next, the dentist will carefully clean and dry your tooth before applying a mild acidic gel. This gel helps create a rough surface for the bonding to adhere to.
Applying the composite resin
Once the acidic gel is removed and the tooth is dried, the composite resin is applied. The dentist will choose a resin that closely matches your natural tooth color for a seamless finish. The resin is applied in layers, and each layer is hardened using a special blue light to ensure maximum strength and durability.
Finishing touches
After checking your bite, the dental bonding is complete. The dentist will polish the tooth to give it a smooth, natural appearance. Your bonded tooth will blend in beautifully, and you may forget which tooth was treated. We will note the bonded tooth in your records, and at your future check ups, the dentist will pay special attention to ensure no wear or damage has occurred.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
The lifespan of dental bonding depends on factors like the location of the bonding, your eating habits, and your general oral hygiene routine. With proper care, dental bonding can last between 4 and 10 years or even longer. If any wear is noticed during your routine check ups, more composite resin can be added to reinforce the bonding.
Dental bonding is not a permanent solution, but it is very long lasting. With proper dental care, good eating habits, and regular check ups, dental bonding can last for over a decade. If your dental bonding shows signs of wear, it can be repaired or strengthened with more composite resin.
Dental bonding and veneers are two very different procedures. Dental veneers are a better long term option, especially for patients who want to make significant changes to their smile. Veneers are more durable, but they also come with a higher cost and require more tooth alteration. Dental bonding is a more affordable solution for minor changes and is much less invasive, as it requires minimal alteration to the natural tooth.
Dental bonding does not harm your natural teeth. In fact, your tooth will remain mostly, if not entirely, intact beneath the bonding. While the bonding material can chip or break over time, it can be easily repaired. A common concern is that dental bonding does not lighten with teeth whitening. If you plan to whiten your teeth, it may be best to do so before getting dental bonding. After whitening, the bonding can be replaced to match your newly whitened teeth. If you are concerned about the durability of dental bonding, you might want to consider dental veneers or crowns, which are stronger and last longer.
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