What is dental bonding?

When is tooth bonding needed?

Composite bonding can be used to correct many common imperfections. It may serve for:

• closing small gaps between the teeth,

• filling cavities (instead of distinctive silver amalgam),

• fixing chipped or fractured teeth,

• protecting exposed roots,

• restoring decayed teeth,

• adjusting color,

• changing the shape or length of a single tooth.

Teeth bonding procedure

Unlike crowns or veneers, which need to be done in a lab, dental bonding can be completed in a single appointment. What is more, the procedure is painless, so usually, anesthesia is not necessary. The exception is fixing a decayed or chipped tooth, where the inner portions of the teeth have been exposed.

Preparation

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The procedure itself requires minimal preparation.

If you are considering teeth whitening, be sure to complete it before dental bonding. The shade of the material will closely match your natural teeth color, but it cannot be changed afterward. Even if you decide to whiten your smile later, the composite will remain darker. The color-changing procedure must be completed at least 2 weeks prior to bonding, to ensure that chemical substances do not interfere with one another.

Have your teeth cleaned by a professional before dental bonding, especially if you are overdue for regular check-ups.

Bonding

Picture by Authority Dental under CC 2.0 license

First, the dentist will choose the shade that's closest to your natural tooth color and prepare the composite resin. Next, they will roughen the tooth's surface and apply a conditioning liquid. This helps the bonding material to stick to the tooth.

The resin is then put on the prepared surface and shaped into the desired form. The material is hardened with ultraviolet light. Don't worry if something feels off - the dentist can correct the shape even when the resin is dry.

The whole procedure usually takes between 30 and 60 minutes.

How to take care of bonded teeth

You may experience mild sensitivity for a few days after the procedure, but aside from that, you can return to normal activities immediately after the appointment.

The bonding material is resistant. ”However, here is the honest conversation I have with every patient about the trade-off,” Lee notes. ”While that resin is strong, it is not as strong as porcelain. It is more porous, allowing it to absorb stains from coffee or red wine over time, and it is prone to chipping. Clinical studies published in journals like the Journal of Dentistry indicate that the average lifespan of bonding is approximately 5 to 7 years before it requires polishing or replacement.”

”It is an excellent solution, especially for younger patients or those not ready for the permanence of veneers. However, it is important to see it as a semi-permanent fix rather than a "permanent" restoration,” he adds.

The bonding material is not as strong as our natural teeth either.

To avoid chipping, try to refrain from biting your nails, chewing on pens, or eating ice cubes. Be careful with hard foods, such as candies. Never use your teeth as a tool to cut or open things - even if all of them are healthy.

Composite resin is prone to stains, so smoking, drinking coffee, tea, soda, or red wine are likely to leave their mark.

Teeth bonding pros and cons

Dental bonding is a cheaper and faster alternative to veneers or crowns. It is also less invasive compared to other restorations, as only a minimal amount of enamel is removed, whereas crowns require a significant reduction.

Teeth bonding is the best fit for small-scale repairs and cosmetic corrections (such as fixing mamelons teeth). It is used mainly in low-pressure bite areas, such as front teeth.

Dental bonding near me

Teeth bonding is a common treatment, but your comfort and satisfaction greatly depend on the dentist's skills and expertise in performing the procedure. Moreover, location plays a significant role in determining the final price tag. How to find a local dentist that will not break your budget?

Authority Dental has an extensive database of dental professionals with great reviews and affordable prices. We can help you find an affordable dental clinic nearby and book an appointment.

Your insurance and preferred form of payment will be taken into consideration to optimize the costs. Financing options are also available. The service is available 24/7 at no charge.