What Tooth Bonding Is and How Does It Work?
Tooth bonding procedure is among the most cost-effective cosmetic options for people with cracked, discolored, or chipped teeth. The purpose of this treatment is to fix the imperfections of a tooth and create a perfect smile for the patient.
Teeth bonding is available in two forms:
- Direct bonding – It only requires one appointment where the tooth-colored materials will be bonded with your teeth using special adhesives.
- Indirect bonding – With indirect bonding, the restoration is created in a dental laboratory and then shipped to your dentist who will schedule another appointment to place them. During the first appointment, your dental impression will be taken and used to make your customized bonds.
Teeth bonding is done to correct the following oral issues:
- To close the spaces in between teeth
- To alter a tooth’s shape
- It is an alternative to dental amalgam fillings
- Used to improve teeth appearance
- Repairs cracked or chipped teeth
- If a person’s tooth has suffered from extensive decay, composite resins can be used to restore the damages caused by the cavities
- If you have receding gums, bonding procedures can be used to protect your tooth’s root
The Bonding Procedure
There is little preparation that is required for a bonding procedure and this is because anesthesia won’t be necessary. If the bonding will be used to refill a tooth cavity, that specific tooth will have to be drilled to alter its shape.
Before your dentist starts this process, he/she will select a composite bonding material that matches closely with your natural teeth’s color with the help of a shade-guide. Your tooth’s surface will then be roughened and a special liquid will be applied to allow the tooth and the bonding material to stick together.
The tooth-colored resin is then smoothed and molded to the shape of the patient’s desire. A laser or a bright blue light is then used to harden the material after which it is trimmed further and then polished to match with the other neighboring teeth surfaces.
Should you decide to go for this restorative practice, please note that you can get dental bonding services in Burlington, ON, at Woodview Family Dentistry and it will only take a maximum of 60 minutes for our dentists to complete bonding a tooth.
How to Take Care of Bonded Teeth
Due to the fact that bonding is prone to chipping and staining than any other cosmetic dentistry procedure, proper care is vital if you want to keep them to last. Below are steps you can take to extend the lifespan of your bonded teeth:
- Avoid candy and hard foods.
- Do not take tobacco, tea, and coffee for the next two days following the cosmetic bonding procedure. This helps to prevent stain formation.
- Schedule regular professional cleanings with your dental practitioner after six months.
- Brush and floss your teeth on a daily basis.
- Do not bite your nails or use your teeth for purposes it wasn’t meant for. This is because hard or sharp objects can cause the bonds to chip.
- If you have a habit of grinding or clenching your teeth, dentists recommend wearinga night guard for protection.
How long your bonding will last entirely depends on what oral habits you practice. Giving your bonded teeth attention and proper care will help prolong its longevity. Give your dentist a call if you see that sharp edges have appeared on your bonded teeth few days after having them placed. Do the same thing also if the pieces or chips used for bonding starts to fall off or if it has already fallen off.
Since bonding relies on the artistic skills of a dentist, patients are advised to seek a dental practitioner with years of experience for better cosmetic results. Feel free to ask our dentist near you, for photos of his/her previous bonding patients.
Although bonding is not appropriate for every dental situation, it is a relatively inexpensive and quick method of improving your smile.
The Benefits of the Bonding Process
- Invasiveness – The restorative procedure requires minimal removal of your tooth structure and it is possible for patients to get several of their teeth bonded during one appointment.
- Time – It takes only one visit for a bonding process to be completed unlike veneers and crowns.