What Is Dental Bonding

The application of tooth-colored composite resin in order to repair a decayed, chipped or fractured tooth and also a discolored tooth is called bonding.

Bonding can be done in the dental office in a single office visit. The material used in the procedure bonds to the tooth, which is where the name for the procedure comes from.

Bonding is a cosmetic dental procedure that is relatively inexpensive. Bonding is done when the client wishes to improve the appearance of a discolored or chipped tooth. Bonding can also close spaces between teeth or can make teeth look longer or it can be used to change the shape or color of teeth.

The dentist may use bonding to protect a portion of the tooth’s root that has become exposed when gums recede. Bonding may also be used instead of amalgam fillings. If bonding is being used to fill a decayed tooth, anesthesia may be used just like it is for any other tooth filling.

Bonding typically lasts for several years but it is not as strong as natural teeth so biting your fingernails or chewing on ice can chip the bonding material. Your oral habits and how much material was used in the bonding process determine how long the bonding will last.

If the bonding chips or falls out, you should see your dentist.

You can cover stained teeth by using bonding. Bonding can also give a uniform appearance to teeth that are misshapen or broken.

There are two bonding techniques to chose from when having a bonding procedure done. Composite bonding and veneer bonding are the two types of bonding techniques that your dentist can perform. The porcelain veneer is a more expensive bonding but is the best way to match the color of your other teeth and lasts for 5 to 10 years.

The porcelain veneer is also stronger than the composite veneer. Composite veneers are less expensive. Dental bonding cement is used to bond the veneer to the tooth no matter which technique is used.

If you see staining on the margins of the bonding after a year or two, touch-up work may have to be done but generally tooth bonding lasts for most people on average ten years. Especially if a qualified cosmetic dentist the bonding does the bonding is successful.

Most bonding will withstand the normal mouth functions of chewing and biting. Avoiding sweets or starchy foods and brushing and flossing as usual for good dental hygiene should be done when you have had tooth-bonding work done.

If you use harsh toothpaste you can risk dulling the shine on the bonding and make it more susceptible to staining. Cosmetic dental offices usually carry special toothpaste that has gentle stain-removing power without being too harsh on the bonding.

If bonding has been done to the front teeth avoid foods such as popcorn, or carrots or learn to bite off to the side. Never bite or chew on pens, fingernails or other hard objects when you have teeth that have been bonded.

When you go for a dental cleaning remind the dental office staff that you have bonding on your teeth so pumice-containing prophylaxis pastes will not be used. It is also important not to use ultrasonic cleaning devices, or air-polishing instruments when you have had tooth bonding.

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