Sometimes also known as teeth bonding or composite bonding, dental bonding is a cosmetic dentistry treatment typically used for enhancing the smile. This process requires the dentist to apply a tooth-colored composite resin material to the affected tooth to change its size, contour, or color.
This dental treatment is, in fact, widespread. In today’s times, it is amongst the most frequently performed cosmetic procedures in dentistry.
- When is it recommended?
Teeth bonding can bring about cosmetic improvements to the smile. Tooth-colored composite material helps to:
- Conceal cracks and chips in between the teeth
- Camouflage discoloration of the teeth
- Close in on spaces and gaps in between the teeth
- Change the shape of certain teeth
- Give a more youthful look to the smile
This same tooth-colored composite resin material helps in restorative dentistry and dental bonding. People use it in restorative dentistry for the following:
- Filling cavities
- Protect the roots of teeth exposed because of gum recession
- Replacing older silver fillings with a cosmetic alternative
- Difference between dental bonding and porcelain veneers
Porcelain veneers generally involve ceramic shells customized to fit on the teeth’ front surface. In this process, the dentist removes a little enamel from the natural teeth and then can place these veneers. Porcelain veneers, once placed, cannot be reversed; but need replacement every 10 to 20 years.
On the other hand, dental bonding does not require any significant removal of the natural tooth enamel. Hence, composite bonding is entirely reversible and may only require touch-ups every 5 to 10 years.
You may use composite veneers quite frequently, where composite resin material helps to cover the entire tooth surface.
- Preparation
Dental X-rays and a critical examination of the teeth and gums can ensure that there are no serious oral health issues or gum diseases (including severe tooth decay). If detected, these problems must be addressed first. A patient is otherwise eligible to undergo bonding. Before dental bonding, every dentist prefers to discuss the cosmetic goals of undergoing the treatment.
- The process
During the bonding procedure, the dentist goes through the following steps:
Selecting the right shade. Using a shade guide, the dentist decides a composite resin material matching the natural color of the teeth.
- Prepare the tooth
The dentist then roughens the tooth surface and applies a conditioning liquid. This step helps in the adhesion of the bonding material.
- Apply the resin material
The composite resin material (whose consistency is similar to a putty) is then applied and molded. You may then smoother it into the required shape.
- Cure the material
A special curing light can harden the composite resin. This ‘bonds’ the resin to the tooth.
- Polishing the tooth
The dentist makes the necessary adjustments and finally polishes the tooth to give it a natural shine. The entire procedure takes a total time of about an hour approximately per tooth.
- Pain sensation while undergoing the treatment
Usually, dental bonding is not painful at all because the pain-sensing nerve inside the tooth needs treatment. Generally, anesthesia is not required, though some people might complain of sensitivity after the procedure. Still, it is temporary and goes away with over-the-counter pain relievers.
- What to expect after?
Post the bonding procedure, maintaining good oral hygiene is essential to keep the mouth bright and healthy. Brushing twice a day using fluoride paste and a soft-bristled brush becomes necessary. Flossing once daily between the teeth is also recommended. Additionally, you must regularly visit the dentist for cleaning and checkups.
- Risks and benefits
I’m comparison to other cosmetic procedures; cosmetic dental bonding has a variety of benefits:
- It is minimally invasive.
While both dental crowns and porcelain veneers require some amount of tooth alterations, but dental bonding generally does not require any enamel removal.
- It is cost-effective
Woodbury dental bonding at Kate Brayman DDS is one of the most budget-friendly cosmetic procedures.
- Very versatile
Composite bonding makes it easy to conceal cosmetic imperfections like cracks, chips, discoloration, and gaps.
- It is convenient and fast
Most cosmetic procedures, including crowns and veneers, require several appointments and dentist visits, but composite bonding is one procedure completed in only one dental visit.
- Disadvantages of dental bonding:
One disadvantage of composite bonding is that other therapeutic options(such as crowns and veneers) are more long-lasting than bonding. Bonding materials tend to chip with time.
Although the composite resin material is said to be stain resistant to some extent, porcelain restorations have higher stain resistance than composite resin.
- Aftercare and recovery time
You need zero downtime after teeth bonding. Resume all normal activities right after leaving the dentist’s office.
- Special care post bonding
You do not need special care after the bonding procedure. But regular checkups and cleaning appointments must not get ignored. Only essential hygiene habits, including brushing twice daily and flossing once daily, are required.
Call the dentist if sharp edges are noticeable, or the tooth feels odd to bite. Habits like chewing pens, biting fingernails and opening packages with teeth must be avoided altogether.
- Longevity of bonding
Oral habits and the number of teeth treated determine how long the dental bonding lasts. Typically the material lasts up to 10 years before requiring any replacement or touch-up.
Teeth bonding generally do not pose any risks to oral health. It is perfectly safe for healthy teeth and gums. However, this problem must be addressed before delving into the bonding procedure if there’s a pre-existing condition like tooth or gum decay or any other oral health issue.
Cosmetic imperfections or flaws like gaps, chips, discoloration, or cracks affect the smile and lower confidence levels. Dental bonding is a simple yet practical treatment that brings uniformity and balance to the smile.
First, understand the procedure, and then go for the course. Only an expert can help you with apt processes. You cannot come up with an excellent dental solution without consulting experts.
Expert guidance becomes mandatory to decide what remains suitable for your dental issue. Then it will bring the best outcome specific to your problem.