We are proud of how dentistry can restore broken or decayed teeth to full beauty and function.
Tooth bonding is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to do this. Cosmetic Tooth Bonding uses tooth-colored materials to replace missing tooth structures or hide cosmetically unappealing minor defects in a tooth—chips, discoloration, and even minor spacing irregularities.
Bonding materials are called “composite resins” because they contain a mixture of plastic and glass, which adds strength and translucency. The composite bonds, or becomes one, with the rest of the tooth.
Composite resins come in a variety of tooth shades for truly lifelike results.
When tooth bonding is done with a skilled hand and an artistic eye, it may be impossible to distinguish the bonded tooth from its neighbors.
Though bonding will not last as long as a dental veneer, it also does not require the involvement of a dental laboratory and can, most often, be done without drilling the tooth.
It’s a perfect solution for teens, who often need to wait until their teeth have finished maturing before choosing a more permanent type of dental implants.
The Cosmetic Tooth Bonding Process
Because it does not involve dental laboratory work, tooth bonding can usually be accomplished in a single visit to the dental office.
Expect the whole procedure to take 30 minutes to an hour. First, the tooth’s surface to be bonded will be cleaned to be plaque-free. The surface must then be “etched” with an acidic gel that opens up tiny pores.
After the etching gel is rinsed off, the liquid composite resin in a well-matched shade is painted on in a thin layer, filling these tiny pores to create a strong micromechanical bond. A special curing light is used to harden this bonding material.
Once the first layer is cured, another layer is painted on and cured. Layers can continue to be built until the restoration has the necessary thickness.
The tooth bonding material is then shaped using a dental drill to give it just the right shape. Once the tooth not only looks great but also fits perfectly with your bite, it will receive a final polishing.
Caring for Bonded Teeth
Bonded teeth should be brushed and flossed daily and professionally cleaned at the dental office twice yearly, just like the rest of your teeth.
The most important thing to keep in mind about caring for your bonded tooth is that composite resin can absorb stain, just as natural teeth can.
Therefore, you should avoid smoking, red wine, coffee, and tea to the extent possible. Also, while composite can darken, it cannot be lightened.
So, if you are thinking about having your teeth whitened, it should be done before your tooth is bonded so that a composite shade can be selected to match the lighter color of your whitened teeth.
If you whiten your teeth after Cosmetic Tooth Bonding, the bonded tooth may not match all the rest. Finally, try not to bite your nails, hold writing implements in your mouth, or use your teeth in other ways that could put excessive force on the bonding material and chip it.
With proper care, a bonded tooth should stay beautiful for 3 to 10 years.
Caring for bonded teeth is essential to maintain their appearance and functionality. Bonded teeth are composite resin restorations that repair chipped, discolored, or decayed teeth.
Proper care involves practicing good oral hygiene, including regular brushing with a non-abrasive toothpaste and daily flossing to remove plaque and food particles.
To prevent damage to the bonded material, avoid biting on hard objects or using teeth as tools. Additionally, individuals with bonded teeth should attend regular dental check-ups for professional cleaning to ensure the bonding remains intact.
By prioritizing proper care, individuals can prolong the lifespan of their bonded teeth and maintain a healthy smile.
