You may have heard of dental bonding and are wondering what exactly this procedure is all about. This is a treatment that involves a tooth-coloured durable plastic material called resin. This material is applied to your tooth and hardened with a special dental light, bonding the material to your tooth in order to improve or restore the overall look of your smile.
Dentrix Dental Care is here to give you an in-depth look into what dental bonding is and why you might want to consider this procedure.
Why You Should Consider Dental Bonding
Dental bonding can be used for a variety of conditions, including:
- To repair chipped, cracked or decaying teeth
- To correct discoloration of teeth
- To improve the length of teeth
- To change the overall shape of teeth
- To bridge the spaces between teeth
- To protect the roots of teeth that are exposed
If you have any of the above problems with your smile, dental bonding may be the right fix for you.
What Happens During Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding is a very simple procedure with little preparation needed. Anaesthesia is not frequently used for this procedure unless your dentist needs to drill your tooth, needs to fill a decaying tooth, or your tooth is chipped near a nerve.
During the procedure, your dentist will roughen the surface of your tooth and apply a conditioning liquid in order to help the material bond with the tooth. The resin, a tooth-coloured material similar to putty, will be applied and moulded to the correct shape.
Your dentist will use a light or a laser to harden the resin onto your teeth, bonding it. After hardening, your dentist may add the final touches by trimming, shaping, and polishing to ensure that it blends in perfectly with the rest of your natural smile. The entire procedure only takes 30 to 60 minutes to complete per tooth, so it is very simple and speedy.
Advantages to Dental Bonding
There are many reasons why dental bonding is a great option for your tooth procedure. This is a relatively affordable procedure, and the entire process occurs in one singular office, unlike veneers and crowns.
Anaesthesia is rarely needed for this procedure as well, which makes it a very smooth and easy experience for patients.
One of the most important advantages of this procedure is that it removes the least amount of tooth enamel compared to the procedures of veneers and crowns.
Disadvantages of Dental Bonding
While dental bonding is an overall great treatment for those looking for a sparkling, symmetrical smile, nothing is perfect. There are a few potential disadvantages to dental bonding.
The resin used in this procedure is not as stain resistant as crowns, so you have to be more careful about staining your teeth (e.g. you may want to cut down on coffee). The bonding materials used can also chip or break. They are not as strong as other procedures like fillings, crowns, or veneers.
Many dentists suggest dental bonding to be used only for cosmetic changes or to correct low bite pressure. If you need a more long-term solution to your oral health conditions, you may want to discuss other options with your dentist.
After Care Rules for Dental Bonding
There is not a strict regimen or rules for bonded teeth. Continue to follow your good hygiene practices and avoid biting fingernails, using your teeth to open things, and chewing on hard objects such as ice and pencils. Be wary of eating and drinking things that are known to discolour teeth. Always be sure to brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day, floss once a day, and use an antiseptic mouthwash at least once a day.
If you notice any oddities with your bonded teeth, contact your dentist. Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups to ensure that you maintain your dental hygiene.