Have a chipped, cracked or stained tooth? Dental Bonding can make your tooth look like new again without going too far over your budget.
What is the Dental Bonding Process?
Dental Bonding is a cosmetic dentistry procedure in which a tooth-colored composite material is applied to the tooth, shaped, cured and polished. This is called bonding because the material sticks to the tooth. Ideal for minor cosmetic dentistry jobs such as dental bonding, repairing a cracked or chipped tooth, or closing small spaces between teeth. Tooth bonding is also used as a tooth-colored filling for small cavities as it is more cosmetically appealing than silver fillings.
What Does Dental Bonding Include?
Your dentist will first apply a mild phosphoric acid to the surface of your teeth, which will etch and roughen the surface to help the bonding material stay in place. This process does no harm. The paste-like bonding material is then placed on the tooth surface and shaped. A special light is used to help the material harden. Finally, the composite is polished and polished for a smooth surface.
Pros and Cons of Dental Bonding
“Dental Bonding is less expensive than veneers, but it also has its downsides,” experts say.
Dental Bonding Advantages
Dental Bonding typically requires only one office visit. The entire process can be completed in 30 to 60 minutes per tooth.
Anesthesia is usually not necessary unless bonding is used to fill a rotten tooth.
Dental Bonding Disadvantages
Bonding material can stain: Unlike crowns and porcelain veneers, dental bonding has a tendency to discolor over time. Coffee, tea, red wine, and cigarette smoke can stain the bonding material, making it different from the rest of your teeth. To minimize staining, you should avoid these substances for 24 to 48 hours after bonding is first done. If you smoke, you will want to choose a different cosmetic dentistry treatment. Because the adhesive material is porous, it turns yellow from exposure to cigarette smoke.
Less durable: In addition, the material used in dental bonding is not as strong and long-lasting as porcelain veneers and crowns. But with proper care, the bonding process can take three to seven years.
When Dental Bonding Is a Good Choice
If you have a minor cosmetic dentistry problem, such as a cracked or discolored tooth, a gap between your teeth, or silver fillings that appear when you smile, dental bonding can help.
Unlike veneers and whitening, tooth bonding cannot be used to whiten your entire smile. Tooth bonding may also be suitable as “white fillings” for small cavities in teeth that are not subjected to excessive force during chewing, but the material used in dental bonding may not be durable enough for large cavities.
Caring for Dental Bonding
Because dental bonding is more susceptible to staining and chipping than other types of cosmetic dentistry, special care is required to keep your bonded teeth looking natural. Here are some tips for keeping your tooth bonding end-to-end:
Cut down on coffee, tea, and red wine.
If you smoke, this is a good reason to quit. Not to mention that smoking increases your risk of gum disease and oral cancer.
Avoid biting your nails or chewing on hard objects such as ice, pencils, and raw carrots, as dental bonding can break easily.
Call your dentist if you notice sharp edges or feel awkward biting your teeth. Tooth bonding can be repaired or retouched if necessary.
Because dental bonding requires some artistic skill for optimal cosmetic results, it is important to choose a dentist experienced in the procedure. Don’t hesitate to see your dentist’s before and after photos of previous bonding patients.
Teeth bonding is not suitable in all situations, but it can be a quick and relatively inexpensive way to improve your smile. Feeling good about the appearance of your teeth can help you maintain good dental health.