Everything You Need to Know about Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is a process performed by a dentist to restore and improve your smile. A composite resin that resembles the natural colour of your teeth is put on or between the teeth. It’s then shaped and hardened with a laser or UV light so that it bonds to the teeth. Below we’ve put together useful information about dental bonding to keep you informed about the technique.

1. When is dental bonding required?

Bonding is used as a dental solution for several problems like –

• To repair cracked, chipped, damaged and decayed teeth
• To fill gaps between teeth
• To change the shape and appearance of normal and discoloured teeth
• To protect an exposed tooth root

2. What’s the procedure of dental bonding?

Bonding requires an initial preparation before starting the process. With the help of a shade card, the dentist will first match the colour of the composite resin with your tooth colour. If you have a decayed tooth, the dentist will prepare it for the procedure by changing its shape through drilling. Anesthesia is usually not required for dental bonding unless it’s a decayed tooth or the problem is near a dental nerve. After the initial stage, the dentist places a thin plastic material between the treated and the other teeth. Then, he/she makes the surface of the tooth rough by applying a chemical liquid. It helps the composite material to adhere properly to the tooth. After this, the dentist places the composite material or resin on the tooth, molds and smoothens it to give it the desired shape. Then, by using laser or UV light, the dentist hardens the material. When it hardens, he/she further reshapes and polishes it to make the treated tooth appear like the rest of your teeth. Depending on your tooth’s condition, your dentist may need 30 to 60 minutes to complete the bonding of a single tooth.

3. How long does bonding last?

The lifespan of the bonding material depends on your oral habits. Typically, it lasts 3 to 10 years. It requires a replacement or a touch up after this period which your dentist will suggest.

4. How should you care for your bonded teeth?

You don’t need to follow any special care regime for bonded teeth. A good daily oral care like brushing twice a day, flossing once a day and rinsing with a mouthwash is all you need to do. Also, make sure to visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleaning sessions. However, you must avoid certain habits to extend the life of your bonding material. Do not chew ice, pens or any hard foods with your bonded teeth.

5. What are the benefits of dental bonding?

• Unlike a dental crown, bridge or dental veneer, dental bonding is an inexpensive procedure.
• It requires a single day for the dentist to complete the treatment unless the treatment is done multiple teeth.
• The procedure doesn’t involve a lot of enamel removal.
• Anesthesia is not generally required.

6. Are there any disadvantages of dental bonding?

• It can chip and come out off the tooth.
• It’s not stain-resistant like crowns.
• The material isn’t as strong as veneers, crowns, and fillings. So, it doesn’t last as long.

With modern technology, cosmetic dentistry has evolved greatly over the years. Be it teeth whitening, veneers, white fillings, crown, and bridge or dental bonding, these modern techniques have marked a new era of cosmetic dental solutions. Like all dental treatments, dental bonding also has certain limitations. Consult your dentist who can best guide you about the treatment for your specific dental problems.