How Does Teeth Bonding Work at the Dentist?
Fixing a chipped, discolored, or severely damaged tooth doesn’t always require you go through a complex dental procedure. Sometimes the appearance and structural integrity of the tooth can be fixed with the use of a dental procedure known as teeth bonding.
Learning more about teeth bonding can help you determine if this dental procedure is right for you.
What is Teeth Bonding and Why is it Used?
Teeth bonding, which is sometimes called just bonding or dental bonding, is a relatively quick dental procedure that can alter a tooth’s appearance or enhance its strength. There are a number of reasons why you would want to change your teeth’s appearance or have a need to strengthen them. Some of the reasons why include physical injury or trauma that left the tooth cracked or chipped, severe decay that weakened the tooth, or cosmetic purposes such as whitening the teeth or making them appear longer or a different shape.
When a teeth bonding procedure is performed, a dentist will take a small bit of composite resin and apply it to the tooth. Composite resin is a strong, durable plastic material that comes in a variety of natural tooth colors. Upon application, the resin is very flexible and can be easily molded and shaped to create the appearance of a natural tooth.
Once the resin is shaped and molded the way the dentist wants it to so the tooth is stronger or the appearance is changed, a special light is then shone directly onto the resin. The special light quickly bonds the resin to the tooth.
Examples of Ways Dentists Use Bonding to Correct Dental Problems
Due to the flexible, yet durable nature of composite resin, it can be used by dentists to correct a number of dental problems. Some of the most common dental problems corrected with bonding include:
- Repairing severely decayed teeth by using the resin to fill a cavity
- Quickly repair cracked or chipped teeth
- Change and improve the color of the teeth without needing to undergo whitening treatments
- Correct large gaps or spaces between teeth
- Change the shape of a tooth so it appears squarer or longer
- A safer alternative to amalgam fillings
- Protecting a tooth’s root that has been exposed due to gum disease
How Many Years Does Dental Bonding Last?
Dental bonding is not a long-term solution for many dental problems. Over time the bond between the resin and tooth will weaken and it will need to be replaced. However, by practicing good at-home oral care, avoiding habits that may damage the resin, and scheduling regular professional cleanings with a dentist the dental bonding should be able to last for over 10 years.
Are There Other Dental Procedure Alternatives?
There is only one similar dental procedure that may be used as an alternative to bonding. Veneers can be used to strengthen a tooth or correct its outward appearance. Veneers are stronger than composite dental bonding, but many people choose bonding over veneers for a number of reasons.
The veneer process is more complex and time consuming which is why many patients prefer dental bonding. It often requires molds of a tooth to be taken and some shaving or drilling of the enamel of the teeth.
Another reason why people prefer dental bonding is the cost involved. Porcelain Veneers often cost considerably more. People looking for affordable dental care options will often choose dental bonding.
Is There Any Special Care Needed for a Tooth that has Composite Resin?
The good news for people who choose teeth bonding is there is no special care involved. People can brush and floss as they would with their natural teeth.
Even though no special care is needed, people who choose dental bonding will need to be careful to avoid damaging or chipping the resin. They will need to avoid chewing or eating hard candies or food, biting their nails, or chewing on pen caps.
Interested in teeth bonding? Call Artistic Touch Dentistry who special in Cosmetic Dentistry in Melbourne Florida today to schedule an appointment to speak with our dentists and discover how dental bonding can help improve your smile.