Have you heard of dental bonding? In this procedure performed at your dentist’s office, a composite resin material is bonded to the tooth enamel. Versatile and effective, this form of cosmetic dentistry is used for a variety of applications when it comes to the teeth. Composite resin, the same material used in tooth-colored fillings, is used in dental bonding to repair the appearance of teeth that have been affected by chips, cracks, and other issues.
Here’s what you need to know about dental bonding for your smile!
Many Cosmetic Issues Can Be Treated With Dental Bonding
If you’ve ever had a chipped tooth repaired, chances are it was done through a dental bonding process. Dental bonding can repair teeth that have been affected by:
- Chips or cracks. Dental bonding can protect teeth that have sustained damage resulting in a chip or crack to prevent the injury from further affecting the tooth and restore its appearance [1].
- Gapped teeth. Teeth that are gapped can be built-out by composite resin to reduce the appearance of the gap while still maintaining the look of your natural teeth.
- Differently-shaped teeth. The appearance of teeth can be restored through the dental bonding process, especially irregular-shaped teeth that stand out from the rest of your smile.
- Crown lengthening. Teeth that are naturally shorter than other teeth or those that have been shortened by damage such as an accident or even teeth grinding can be restored with dental bonding.
- Protect tooth roots. If your tooth’s roots have been exposed due to gum recession, which can result in painful tooth sensitivity and impact the appearance of your smile, dental bonding may be able to help protect these roots from exposure to temperatures and other damage.
What to Expect During the Dental Bonding Process
During your appointment for dental bonding to improve your smile, your dentist will ensure the bonding material accurately matches your natural teeth before applying. When the procedure is done, the tooth receiving treatment will look and feel just like your natural tooth [2].
Your dentist will gently prepare the tooth by roughening the surface so that the material bonds properly, and then use a curing light to harden the composite resin. Once the material is hardened, your dentist will finish the tooth by polishing it and ensuring that the tooth looks like your natural teeth. You can expect the entire process to take under an hour for each tooth.
Dental bonding isn’t considered a permanent solution, and will need to be either repaired or replaced after several years. However, with the right care, some patients see their composite resin restorations last up to 10 years!
Want to Improve Your Smile?
If you have teeth with damage that affects the appearance or function of your smile, you could qualify for cosmetic dentistry to restore your teeth. A minimally-invasive process that generally doesn’t require anesthesia, dental bonding is an effective treatment for teeth that have a variety of concerns. Get in touch with your dentist today to ask about the benefits of dental bonding for your smile!
Sources:
1. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/10922-dental-bonding
2. https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/bonding
