Do you have chipped or discolored teeth? Dental bonding might be the perfect solution for you.
Dental bonding is a cosmetic procedure in which your dentist applies a tooth-colored resin to one tooth or a number of teeth to improve your smile. Your dentist may recommend it to improve the appearance of chipped, cracked, stained or broken teeth, or to fill an unsightly gap between your teeth.
Pros & Cons of Dental Bonding
Unlike other cosmetic procedures, dental bonding is a simple procedure that requires very little preparation of the tooth. In most cases, it is a pain-free procedure that does not require anesthesia.
Because it costs considerably less than other cosmetic dental procedures, such as veneers and crowns, dental bonding is one of the least expensive ways to improve your appearance. Bonding is good for minor issues, for example, and it can be used to reshape and recontour teeth. It is also one of the fastest and easiest cosmetic procedures. In fact, your dentist can perform the procedure in a single office visit.
As with other cosmetic procedures, dental bonding does have its drawbacks. It is a great solution to badly stained teeth, for example, but the resin used in dental bonding can stain over time. Furthermore, crowns and veneers are more resistant to breaking and last longer than dental bonding.
The Dental Bonding Procedure
The first step is to find an experienced cosmetic dentist, such as Triangle Dentistry, because bonding takes artistic skill. Next, schedule a consultation in which you and your cosmetic dentist will determine if you are a good candidate.
Dental bonding does not require anesthesia to control pain, unless your dentist needs to fill a cavity in the tooth prior to applying the dental bonding. To start the process, your dentist uses a shade guide to help determine the perfect color match to the rest of your teeth. Next, your dentist roughs up the surface of the tooth, which helps the bonding material adhere to the tooth.
Your dentist then applies a thick liquid that acts as a bonding agent to the surface of your tooth. Next, your dentist applies composite resin over the liquid. The dentist then molds and shapes the composite resin to match the size and shape of the surrounding teeth. Finally, your dentist uses an ultraviolet light to harden the bonding material. Your dentist may further shape the tooth after the bonding hardens.
The entire procedure takes 30 to 60 minutes. Some appointments may run longer if you undergo dental bonding for more than one tooth, have to have a cavity filled prior to tooth bonding, or have other dental problems that complicate the bonding procedure.
If you do not have any anesthesia, you can go home right away. The procedure does not require any downtime, so you can resume your daily activities immediately after we finish.
You care for your bonded teeth the same way you care for your other teeth – by brushing twice a day and flossing once daily. Avoiding stain-causing foods and beverages, such as coffee, tea, dark cola, and red wine, can keep your bonded teeth looking white and bright. Avoiding tobacco use can also prevent stains. To avoid chipping or breaking your dental bonding, do not bite down on hard food or candy, chew on pencils or pens, bite your fingernails, or, eat ice.
You can expect your tooth bonding to last 4 to 8 years, depending on the location of the tooth, the location of bonding on the tooth, the way your teeth meet when you bite down, and your biting and chewing habits. Bonding at the very edge of the tooth may be susceptible to breakage because of the forces associated with biting and chewing. Biting and chewing, especially chewy, hard or crunchy foods can also weaken the bonding. To keep your dental bonds looking great, schedule regular dental cleanings every six months.
For more information about dental bonding from a cosmetic dentist, make an appointment with Triangle Dentistry.
Triangle Dentistry, located in Raleigh, NC, provides a state-of-the-art facility that offers exceptional general dental and specialty services guided by empathy of a patient’s needs and desires. Services range from dental crowns to veneers and whitening procedures. For further information, questions, or to schedule an appointment, contact the office at (919) 847-6000