What Dental Bonding Entails
Do you have chipped, cracked, gapped, or stained teeth? Dental bonding can restore your teeth natural look and enhance your bite.
What Is Teeth Bonding?
Tooth bonding is a cosmetic dentistry procedure in which a dentist applies tooth-colored composite resin, hardens it, sculpts it to the desired shape, and polishes it. The reason why it is referred to as bonding is because of the material bonds to your enamels. Composite bonding is also known as tooth-colored filling since dentists use it to fill small cavities.
Why Do I Need Composite Bonding?
The reasons why you might require bonding on your teeth include:
- Filling small cavities
- Repairing cracked or chipped enamels
- Improving the appearance of discolored teeth
- Closing gaps between your teeth
- Changing the shape of misshapen teeth
- Making your teeth look longer
- Protecting portions of your tooth’s root exposed when your gum recedes
In some cases, your dentist might consider using the composite resin as an alternative for amalgam fillings.
Cosmetic Teeth Bonding Procedure
At Back Bay Family Dentistry in D’Iberville, MS, a full bonding procedure involves two steps. The steps include:
Before your dentist performs the bonding procedure
, you will only require little preparation. Unless the dentist is used the bonding to fill cavities, you might not need local anesthesia. However, if you have dental phobia, the dentist can use oral sedation techniques to keep you relaxed during the procedure.
After administering local anesthesia sedation in necessary situations, the dentist will use a shade guide to choose a color of composite resin that matches your natural teeth.
First, the dentist will roughen the surface and apply a conditioning gel on the surface of your tooth. The procedures will help the bonding material adhere to the tooth. He or she will apply a putty-like, tooth-colored material on the tooth. The dentist will then mold and smoothen the bonding material into the desired shape.
Next, your dentist will pass a blue light over the teeth to harden it. Once the material is hardened, he or she will trim, shape, and polish it to match the sheen of your natural teeth.
A bonding procedure for one tooth will take up to 60 minutes before completion. Also, dentists view the procedure as best suited for small cosmetic changes and areas with low bite pressure.
What Is the Lifespan of Bonded Teeth?
The lifespan of your bonded teeth depends on how much bonding was done and your oral habits. When you practice good oral habits, your dental bonds can last up to 10 years.
Since dental bonds are not as strong as your natural teeth, some of your habits can shorten their lifespan. These habits include biting down hard on your teeth and smoking or drinking colored beverages. Colored beverages and smoking will discolor the bonded teeth since the composite resin material is not resistant to stains.
Advantages of Bonding Your Teeth
Before picking bonding as an option to repair your teeth, you might have questions about their benefits.
The primary advantage of dental bonds is that you can request for ones that perfectly match the color of your natural teeth. Therefore, they can restore your appearance and smile perfectly.
Other advantages include:
- The procedure is painless therefore you do not require local anesthesia
- It is relatively fast since the procedure requires a single visit and only takes up to an hour
- Your dentist does not have to eliminate large parts of your enamel unlike in dental crowns and veneers
When it comes to the demerits of bonding your teeth, the primary disadvantage is that the material that dentists use is stain-resistant. This trait makes them prone to discoloration if you do not follow a good oral hygiene routine or frequently drink colored beverages.
Also, your dental bonds might be prone to cracking or chipping, especially if you tend to grind your teeth or bite down hard.
Taking Care of Bonded Teeth
Since dental bonds are prone to chipping and cracking, you should avoid habits such as:
- Biting on fingernails
- Grinding your teeth
- Chewing on pens, ice, and other hard objects
- Tearing wrappers or opening bottles using your teeth
If you feel sharp edges on your bonded teeth, you should contact a dentist. Also, you can practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly to ensure strong and healthy dental bonds.