Bonding is the application of a tooth-colored composite resin to repair a decayed, chipped, fractured or discolored tooth, using a special light which ultimately bonds the material of the tooth to restore or improve a person’s smile. The procedure is called bonding because of the material which bonds to the tooth.
What are the applications of tooth bonding?
Bonding is among the easiest and least expensive of cosmetic dental procedures. The composite resin used in bonding can be shaped and polished to match the surrounding teeth.
- Bonding is used for cosmetic purposes to improve the appearance of a discolored or chipped tooth
- It also can be used to close spaces between teeth, to make teeth look longer or to change the shape or color of teeth
- Bonding also is used as a cosmetic alternative to amalgam fillings
- It is used to protect a portion of the tooth’s root that has been exposed when gums recede
- To repair decayed teeth
What is the procedure of tooth bonding?
- There is no preparation needed for bonding. Anesthesia may be used when the bonding is being used to fill a decayed tooth or old restoration, otherwise, even that is not necessary.
- Your dentist will use a shade guide to select the composite resin color that will match the color of the tooth most closely.
- Once your dentist has chosen the color, he or she will slightly abrade or etch the surface of the tooth to roughen it.
- Then, the tooth will be coated lightly with a conditioning liquid, which helps the bonding material adhere.
- When the tooth is prepared, your dentist will apply the tooth-colored, putty-like resin. The resin is molded and smoothed until it’s the proper shape.
- Then the material is hardened with ultraviolet light or laser.
- After the bonding material hardens, your dentist will further trim and shape it.
- Then your dentist will polish the material until it matches the sheen of the rest of the tooth surface.
It usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour to complete the procedure. If you’re having more than one tooth done, you may need to schedule more than one visit. At Dr.Mohamed Ali’s San Francisco dental practice, it’s all done in one day so that you can go back home with a perfect smile.
What care should be taken after tooth bonding procedure?
- To prevent or minimize stains, it’s essential to avoid eating or drinking foods that can stain for the first 48 hours after any composite procedure. These include tea, coffee, wine, dark cola and so on.
- Bonded teeth do not require special care. Simply follow good oral hygiene practices. Brush teeth at least twice a day, floss at least once a day, rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash once or twice a day.
- Brush your teeth often and have them cleaned regularly by a dental hygienist.
- Because a bond doesn’t provide the same strength as real teeth, it’s important to avoid habits such as opening food packaging with your teeth, chewing pen caps and biting your fingernails.
When to consult the dentist after your tooth bonding procedure?
- If you notice sharp edges on the bonded
teeth, or your teeth feel strange or “off” when you bite down. - If the bonding chips or pieces fall out.
What are some advantages of tooth bonding?
- Dental bonding is among the easiest and least expensive of cosmetic dental procedures.
- Unlike veneers and crowns, which are customized tooth coverings that must be manufactured in a lab, bonding usually can be done in one office visit unless several teeth are involved.
- Compared with veneers and crowns, here the least amount of tooth enamel is removed.
- Unless dental bonding is being performed to fill a cavity, anesthesia is usually not required.
How long does tooth bonding last?
Bonding usually lasts several years before it needs to be repaired. How long it actually lasts depends on how much bonding was done and your oral habits. You should be able to wear them for up to 10 years successfully. Nonetheless, this means taking proper care of your teeth by avoiding hard candy, ice cubes and similar substances that can crack the composite material.
Another factor that plays a part in determining the life of the bond is the nature of the area that was bonded; keep in mind the composite resin isn’t nearly as strong as your natural enamel, and an imperfect bite can limit its life – especially if you grind your teeth when you sleep. If the bonding is on the very edge of your tooth, it most likely won’t last as long because of biting forces and what types of food you are biting into.
What are the alternatives to tooth bonding?
An alternative to a composite resin bond is a veneer, made from either porcelain or composite. Porcelain is the stronger of the two, and requires a molding to be taken before it’s sent to a laboratory for manufacturing. Composites are therefore a less-costly alternative to porcelain. Whether you receive porcelain or composite, the veneer is then bonded to the tooth using a specific dental instrument.
Because of some of the drawbacks of dental bonding such as a cracked or discolored tooth, a gap between your teeth, or silver fillings, some dentists view it as best suited for small cosmetic changes, for temporary correction of cosmetic defects, and for correction of teeth in areas of very low bite pressure. Your dentist will give you proper guidance about your specific needs after careful examination
During the initial visit to our San Francisco office, Dr. Mohamed Ali will thoroughly examine your mouth and will present different options and also advise you on the best option, suited for you. The billing experts will check your insurance benefits and present a complete treatment plan with the financial arrangements. We accept all major dental and medical PPO insurance plans. We also have an in-office Plan For Health for those who don’t have insurance. Additionally, we have partnered with various financial institutions like Care Credit, The Lending Club, Healthcare Finance Solutions to make your treatment extremely affordable. We will be happy to answer all your questions. So just sit, relax, and get back the beautiful facial appearance you once had. To schedule your free consultation, call us at 415.391.7751.
