Dental Bonding: Teeth are essential since they aid in speech and chewing. Additionally, teeth give your face shape, enhancing your self-confidence. Unfortunately, your teeth may develop cracks, discoloration, or decay. Fortunately, there are various methods that you can use to fix these issues.
One of the common methods dentists usually use is teeth bonding. Here’s everything you need to know about teeth bonding.
Table of Contents
What Is Teeth Bonding?
Dental bonding, sometimes referred to as composite or teeth bonding, is a non-invasive cosmetic dental procedure used to fix various dental issues and improve your smile. This process involves using tooth-colored resin to alter the form, size, or color of the impacted teeth to color. Afterward, the dentist will shape and polish it to match the neighboring teeth, giving you a natural look.
When Is Dental Bonding Recommended?
Dental bonding can help you make various cosmetic changes to your teeth. Some of them are listed below.
- Cover tooth cracks and chips
- Increase the length of your teeth
- Alter the shape of your teeth
- Conceal dental stains
- Fill in any gaps between your teeth
What Happens During Dental Bonding?
There are several steps involved in dental bonding before your teeth become perfect, as discussed below.
Select a Shade
Selecting the resin color is the first step during dental bonding. This step is essential since it ensures that the fixed teeth blend in with the rest. Your dentist will use a chart to find the resin color that matches the rest of your teeth.
Prepare Your Tooth
The next step involves preparing your tooth for bonding. Here, the dentist creates a rough surface on your tooth and then applies bonding liquid to it. The rough surface enables the liquid to adhere to the surface.
Apply the Composite Resin
After preparing the tooth, the dentist applies resin on the affected area and molds it into the appropriate shape.
Cure the Material
For the resin to harden and stick on your tooth surface, the dentist cures it with a special UV light.
Polish the Tooth
The final step in the tooth bonding procedure involves polishing it. Polishing the bonded tooth gives it a glossy finish, making it appear more natural.
This procedure lasts for 30 to 60 minutes per tooth. If you want to fix two or more teeth, you may have to schedule more appointments.
How Long Does Dental Bonding Last?
The composite resin material applied to your teeth during the bonding procedure will probably last four to eight years. Sometimes, it may last up to 10 years, depending on how you take care of the bonded teeth. After 10 years, it’s advisable to go for a stronger restorative procedure, like a crown, or replace the bond.
How to Take Care of Bonded Teeth
Bonded teeth require extra care so they can last longer. Below are some tips you can use to take care of bonded teeth.
Avoid sugary foods: After going for a dental bonding procedure, limit the sugary foods you consume. Sugary foods can wear down the dental bond quickly, forcing you to undergo another procedure regularly.
Brush and floss your teeth regularly: Some food particles remain in your mouth when you eat. After some time, they’ll accumulate and decay, affecting your oral health, including the bonded tooth. Brushing and flossing your teeth helps you eliminate food particles in your mouth.
Avoid biting hard foods: If you have a bonded tooth, avoid biting into hard things like candy or ice. The bonding substance and your enamel might be chipped if you bite down or grind your teeth on anything rough.
Avoid smoking and drinking: When you smoke or drink, you risk discoloring your teeth, shortening the lifespan of the binding material.
Advantages of Dental Bonding
Dental bonding services offer several benefits. Here are some of the advantages.
- The procedure takes a short time
- The bonded teeth look natural
- Cost-effective
- Minimally invasive
- The bonding material is safe
- It can serve you for a long time
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dental bonding painful?
Dental bonding is not painful since your dentist won’t be operating too closely to the pain-sensing nerve within your tooth. In fact, most dental bonding procedures don’t even require anesthesia. Nevertheless, some patients experience sensitivity, which painkillers can treat.
How much does tooth bonding cost?
A standard tooth bonding procedure costs between $200 and $500 per tooth. The cost varies, depending on the dentist and the condition of the original bond.
What is the recovery time after dental bonding?
Dental bonding doesn’t involve any downtime. As soon as you leave your dentist’s office, you may get back to your regular routine.
How many times can a tooth be bonded?
On average, your teeth can be bonded up to three times. After that, you need to look for a more permanent solution, like a dental crown or veneer.
Can bonded teeth get cavities?
Yes, a bonded tooth can get affected by cavities. Therefore, it is essential to maintain good oral hygiene after going for a teeth bonding procedure.
Final Words
Although your teeth are strong, they’re not indestructible. Once your teeth develop issues such as cracks, chips, and discoloration, it’s important to look for a solution to fix them and enhance self-confidence.