Dental bonding is a procedure where a lightweight resin shell is applied over the visible surface of a treated tooth. The resin is bonded to tooth material using a special light, which cures it and hardens it in place. With regular dental hygiene, it stays intact for many years.
How Does Dental Bonding Help?
Dental bonding restores chipped, cracked, or otherwise damaged teeth to a more pleasing appearance. The resin used in dental bonding mimics the color of teeth and will become slightly less bright over time. That makes it difficult for anyone to tell bonding was used.
What Problems Does Dental Bonding Fix?
Dental bonding is a very versatile treatment. It is used for these dental problems:
- To repair teeth suffering from mild decay
- To restore teeth that are chipped or cracked
- To improve the appearance of discolored teeth
- To close gaps between teeth or change their shape
- To make teeth appear longer (e.g. to match others)
- To protect any tooth roots exposed by gum recession
When cavities are not too severe, dental bonding can be used as a cosmetic alternative to silver amalgam fillings. In general, the underlying tooth must be relatively healthy – not affected by severe decay or gum disease and stable enough for the bonding procedure.
What is the Tooth Bonding Process Like?
Tooth bonding generally only takes about 30 to 45 minutes per tooth. Very little preparation is needed on the part of the patient. Your dentist will let you know if any other procedures need to be completed first to ensure the long-term health of your teeth.
Before the process begins, your dentist will use a shade guide to select resin that matches the natural color of your teeth. Then, the surface of the tooth is roughened and a conditioning liquid brushed onto the affected enamel to prepare it for the resin.
The resin is a putty-like substance. It does not harden onto the tooth until the curing light is applied, so the dentist has all the time needed to mold, smooth, and shape it. Once the light is introduced, it hardens in just a few minutes. Shaping is then completed.
Is dental bonding right for you? Be sure you get all the facts from a local dentist you trust. To find out more, contact Coscarella Family Dentistry today. We look forward to helping you.