Dental Bonding
Do you have a cracked or chipped tooth? or teeth that don't match in size, shape or spacing?
What is dental bonding?
Dental bonding, or bonded restoration, is a painless procedure ideal for small cosmetic dentistry work such as repairing a chipped or broken tooth or closing small gaps between the teeth, using a tooth-coloured composite resin that matches your existing teeth.
Dental bonding is a relatively inexpensive procedure compared to other cosmetic treatments. It can work as a permanent or temporary solution while you plan other cosmetic treatments such as porcelain veneers or crowns.
How does cosmetic dental bonding work?
The bonding process consists of several stages. The procedure usually does not need the use of anesthetic and it can often be completed in a single office visit.
First, the dentist will clean, shape or roughen the tooth and then etch it with a special gel applied to its front. This allows the composite to adhere properly. Then the composite resin will be applied to your tooth layer by layer and sculpted into the desired shape.
The tooth will be exposed to a bright light to harden and set. After the last layer has been applied, the area is polished to make it smooth and give it a natural look.
How to care for your bonding restorations
Bonding typically lasts several years before any repairs are needed however the longevity of your restorations will depend highly on your habits.
The composite resin used is not as strong as your natural tooth enamel therefore it is more likely to stain, chip or break than natural teeth.
- Avoid biting your nails and chewing on ice or other objects.
- Avoid stain-inducing beverages such as tea, coffee, red wine and other substances that can stain the material used in bonding.
- Good oral hygiene practices are very important to maintain your bonded teeth beautiful. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss daily and get professional dental cleanings regularly.
