Dental bonding is a safe, relatively inexpensive cosmetic procedure that’s great for making small cosmetic changes. It can close gaps, change the shape of a tooth, and repair chips and discoloration.
The dentist starts by cleaning and preparing the damaged tooth. They then lightly etch the surface and coat it with a conditioning liquid to help the composite resin stick.
Tooth Color
During the dental bonding procedure, your dentist will choose a composite resin color that closely resembles the tooth you wish to restore. Your dentist will then etch or lightly abrade the tooth’s surface before applying the resin.
Once the bonding process is complete, you can resume your regular oral health habits. However, you may need to avoid certain bad habits like biting your nails or chewing on pens. You should also steer clear of foods that can stain or wear down the bonding material, such as berries and hard candy. You should also schedule routine teeth cleanings with your hygienist to ensure the longevity of your bonding. Teeth whitening can also help you maintain the appearance of your bonded teeth.
Shape
Bonding is an excellent option for reshaping crooked teeth or filling in gaps between teeth. This is because the dentist can match a natural-looking composite resin shade that blends in with the rest of your smile.
To prepare the tooth for bonding, the dentist roughens the surface with a conditioning liquid to promote the adhesion of the composite resin. Then he applies the resin, which is a soft, putty-like material.
The bonded material can be sculpted and shaped to your desired look, then a curing light hardens it. A final polish gives the bonded tooth its natural sheen. Bonded teeth can last between three and ten years, but they may need replacing sooner if you bite down on hard objects or if you are a smoker.
Length
Often, the best way to fix teeth is through composite bonding. This is a quick and painless cosmetic procedure that only takes one dental appointment to complete. It can fix a wide variety of issues. Our Watsonville dentist can use it to lengthen the appearance of a short tooth, for example. Or, we can use it to fix a gummy smile by contouring the gum tissue and exposing more of the natural teeth underneath.
Bonded teeth tend to last about ten years before they require touchup treatments. However, their longevity depends on oral habits and other factors. For instance, patients who chew on ice or other hard items can damage the composite resin materials.
Size
It’s a quick, efficient cosmetic solution for a wide variety of smile issues. It can correct minor chips and cracks, cover discoloration and change tooth size.
It is a great alternative to veneers because it preserves natural teeth. It also allows for a quick procedure since drilling is not required before composite bonding.
However, dental bonding is not as stain-resistant or as strong as the enamel of your natural teeth. It is best to avoid biting fingernails or chewing on pens, pencils, or ice and reduce consumption of foods that can stain the resin like coffee, tea, berries, red wine, and smoking. Keeping up with your regular oral care routine and twice-annual cleanings will help extend the life of dental bonding.
Cracks or Chips
While it might not seem serious at first, a tiny chip in one of your teeth could develop into a larger crack or break over time. Thankfully, your Bellmore and Bayside dentist can quickly and easily repair chips using dental bonding.
This procedure involves roughening up the tooth’s surface, applying the composite resin, shaping it, and then hardening it with a curing light. Because the composite resin is not as strong as porcelain, however, it might not be ideal for people who tend to bite down on their nails or pens, chew exceptionally hard foods, or smoke. In these cases, your dentist may recommend veneers or crowns instead.
Repairing a Large Crack or Chip
Dental bonding is not as durable as natural tooth enamel and can chip or crack with biting down on hard foods. It is also not as stain-resistant.
The dentist starts by cleaning the area to be repaired, and then etching the surface of your tooth. This roughens the surface and helps the bonding agent and composite resin stick.
Next, the composite resin is shaped to repair the damage and then cured with an ultraviolet light. Finally, the dentist polishes the bonded tooth for good measure. Typically, teeth bonding is done in one office visit and does not require anesthesia. But, anesthesia might be needed if the dentist needs to dramatically change the shape of your tooth or if it is near a nerve.
Filling a Large Crack or Chip
The composite resin used for dental bonding isn’t as strong as natural tooth enamel and may not be as durable. Therefore, teeth with a lot of cracks and chips aren’t good candidates for bonding. Bonding is also not as stain-resistant as crowns or veneers and may discolor over time.
Teeth bonding is a good option for short-term cosmetic changes, particularly those that involve the front teeth. The procedure is relatively quick and simple, taking between 30 and an hour to complete one tooth. However, if your dentist discovers more serious issues with the health of your teeth or gums, these should be addressed before cosmetic treatments like dental bonding.
Repairing a Small Crack or Chip
The procedure is minimally invasive, and anesthesia is rarely necessary. It can often be completed in a single office visit, and the results are immediately apparent.
After bonding, you can follow the same oral hygiene routine as with natural teeth, brushing twice a day and flossing daily, as well as visiting your dentist for regular cleanings. You should avoid activities that can chip a bonded tooth, such as chewing on hard objects like ice or pencils or biting your nails. You should also avoid using your teeth to open packaging as this can damage the composite resin.
The composite resin used in dental bonding isn’t as stain-resistant as porcelain, so you might notice some discoloration over time.