What is Dental Bonding?

For patients that are suffering from either a decaying tooth or a cavity, dental bonding may be the right treatment. This is a much easier, less expensive, and less invasive alternative to options such as veneers and crowns that can usually be completed in one visit and, depending on the purpose of the bonding, may be done without anesthetic. At Hancock Village Dental, bonding is one of the options we provide to improve your smile.

Dental bonding is where a tooth-colored resin material is applied and hardened to the tooth. This material is a durable plastic that is hardened using a special beam of light. It bonds the material to the tooth which can restore or improve the patient’s smile.

Why Bonding?

Bonding is typically done to repair a decayed tooth, chipped or cracked teeth, or the composite resins are used to fill cavities. It can also be used to improve the look of discolored teeth, close the space between gapped teeth, make the teeth appear longer, or change the shape of teeth. It’s an alternative to the traditional amalgam fillings which use a mixture of metals that consists of liquid mercury and a powdered alloy composed of silver, tin, and copper. Amalgam fillings have been used for more than 150 years so bonding is a more advanced alternative.

Bonding Procedure

Preparation

There isn’t much preparation that has to go into bonding as the entire process can often be performed in just one appointment. Unless the bonding is being done to fill a decayed tooth, or cavity, anesthesia is not necessary during the procedure. When actually performing the bonding, the dentist will use a shade guide that will allow him to select the composite resin color that is closest to the color of the teeth.

Bonding Process

The bonding process will begin with the surface of the tooth being roughened. This is because in order for the bonding to be successful, the tooth needs to be clean and clear of any potential contaminants. Once the tooth is cleaned and properly prepared, a conditioning liquid is applied to the tooth which is done to help the bonding material adhere to the tooth. The actual bonding material is a tooth-colored, putty-like resin that the dentist will apply, mold, and smooth until the desired shape is attained. The material is then hardened by an ultraviolet light or laser. Once the material is hardened onto the tooth, the dentist will continue to trim, shape, and polish the material so that it matches the remainder of the tooth’s surface.

Care After the Procedure

Despite the fact that the resin material is quite resistant to staining, tea, coffee, cigarette smoke, and similar substances have the ability to stain the resin used in bonding. To prevent this staining, it is recommended to avoid these types of food and drink for the first 48 hours after the procedure is done. Brushing your teeth often after the procedure can also help to avoid any potential staining and ensure that you get optimal results from the bonding. And as is suggested to maintain your dental health, regular visits every six months to the dentist for cleaning will help to achieve the results you desire.

Advantages of Bonding

Dental bonding is one of the easiest and least expensive cosmetic dental procedures and has the advantage over veneers and crowns of being done in one visit. This is because while veneers and crowns must be manufactured in a lab and sent back to the dentist, the material for bonding is already present in the office. Other advantages of bonding over veneers or crowns are that bonding requires the least amount of tooth enamel being removed and, except in cases where a cavity is being filled, anesthesia is not required.

If you have issues with your smile, be it due to tooth decay, gapped teeth, or some other problem, Hancock Village Dental offers several options to solve the issue. While veneers or crowns may seem like the right solution, bonding is an easier and cheaper option which, depending on your situation, may still give you the results you desire. If you need dental work done, come to Hancock Village Dental to ensure you receive quality care.