What is dental bonding?
Dental bonding is a cosmetic dentistry treatment that improves the look of your smile without altering your natural tooth tissue. Bonding can help:
- Change the shape of your teeth
- Lengthen abnormally short teeth
- Close gaps between teeth
- Boost the color of teeth
- Erase cracks or chips in teeth
- Protect exposed tooth roots from decay
Bonding can also be used as an alternative to amalgam fillings to treat areas of decay.
What is the dental bonding procedure?
Because bonding does not alter your natural tooth tissue there is no need for advance preparation. When bonding is used to create a filling you’ll need to have the area numbed prior to the procedure.
Once you and your dentist choose the best shade, the surface of your tooth is gently buffed and a conditioning agent is applied to improve adhesion. A putty-like resin is applied to the surface of your tooth, then smoothed and molded into shape.
A special light hardens the material. Finally, your dentist trims the material down, files away any rough edges, then polishes it to a sheen.
The entire process takes around 30-60 minutes for each tooth. In most cases, you’ll be able to walk out of the office with your new and improved smile the same day.
Before and After Images
How do I care for my teeth after dental bonding?
Once the bonding process is complete your treated teeth will look and function just like your natural teeth. Simply continue your existing dental hygiene routine to prevent decay and gum disease.
It’s important to avoid placing undue pressure on your bonded teeth to reduce the risk of cracks or chips. Don’t use your teeth as tools or try to pry, hold, or open objects with your teeth. You should also avoid habits like biting your fingernails or chewing ice, which can harm your teeth or the bonding material.
With proper care, you can expect your bonding to last from 3-10 years. When you begin to notice changes in your bonding, simply come back in for a touch-up or replacement procedure.
If you have questions about dental bonding, schedule a face-to-face consultation to learn more about the process. Booking takes just moments online or by phone, so don’t delay.
