What is dental bonding?

A dental procedure in which a tooth-colored resin is “bonded” to a tooth to restore or improve a person’s smile. It is typically used to fix minor chips and cracks.

What is the difference between dental bonding and veneers?

Unlike veneers, which require molds to be taken and then sent to a lab, bonding can be done in a single visit. Instead of having a piece of material cover the entire surface of the tooth, in dental bonding, small pieces of tooth-colored material are bonded to the tooth. After it is attached, we will go about shaping and polishing the new addition so it fits in with the rest of your teeth perfectly!

When is dental bonding used?

Dental bonding can be used to:

• repair decayed teeth.
• repair chipped or cracked teeth.
• improve the appearance of discolored teeth.
• close spaces between teeth.
• make teeth look longer.
• change the shape of teeth.
• act as a cosmetic alternative to amalgam fillings.
• protect a portion of the tooth’s root that has been exposed when gums recede.

How does it work?

First your dentist will select a color for the composite resin that closely matches your teeth. Anesthesia may be used when the bonding is used to fix cavities, but is often unnecessary otherwise.

Next your dentist will roughen the surface of your tooth and apply a conditioning liquid in order to help the resin bond to your tooth. The resin will be applied, shaped, smoothed, and hardened with an ultraviolet light.

Dental bonding usually takes between 30 to 60 minutes and can be done in just one visit.

Advantages:

• Fast, can be achieved in just one visit
• Inexpensive in comparison to veneers and crowns
• Less tooth enamel removed
• Anesthesia usually not required

Disadvantages:

• Does not resist stains as well as crowns
• May be chipped
• Not as strong as crowns or veneers

To speak with a dentist about whether or not dental bonding is right for you or for any other dental concerns, call Dental Care Center at 888-978-1779.