Bonding
Tooth bonding is a cosmetic procedure that allows your dentist to reshape and repair your dental structure that has been degraded by trauma or decay. The procedure involves the application of tooth-colored composite resin material to your teeth.
It is an easy and affordable procedure that also repairs both uneven and chipped teeth.
A standard bonding procedure takes only a single visit to the dentist and may not require an anesthetic.
Why You Need Cosmetic Bonding
Depending on your cosmetic preferences, the following reasons are why you need to visit a dental hygienist for teeth bonding.
- Repairs decayed teeth
- Reshapes chipped, cracked, and uneven teeth
- Is a worthy alternative to amalgam teeth fillings
- Used to protect exposed sections as your gums subside
- Give a presentable look to discolored teeth
- Fills up the spaces or gaps between teeth
- Can be used to make teeth longer
What Does Teeth Bonding Entail?
The bonding procedure involves two broad stages as discussed below:
Preparations Stage
At this stage, your dentist will take you through a shade guide. It will help you select the ideal shade resin suitable for you and match the natural teeth color.
Anesthesia is often not necessary for cosmetic bonding unless you are filling a decayed or sensitive tooth. Your dentist will prepare the part of the tooth that is to be bonded by gently shaping the tooth structure to be receptive to bonding.
Bonding Stage
The stage begins with the dentist roughening up and slightly coating your teeth’ surface with a conditioning liquid. The process allows the bonding material to stick on the tooth easily.
He/she then applies the tooth-colored putty-like resin molded and shaped to fit well.
After the dentist hardens the putty using ultraviolet light or laser, he can then further trim, reshape and polish to match the rest of the teeth.
It takes roughly 30 minutes to one hour to complete an entire cosmetic bonding procedure. However, this period depends on the number of teeth you want to be worked on.
Sometimes it may even mean you make several visits. This depends on underlying dental conditions and the complexity of the procedure.
What Is The Lifespan Of A Cosmetic Bonded Tooth?
Bonding materials last between three to ten years before retouch or replacement. However, this lifespan can depend on many factors, including how much bonding is applied and your oral dental habits and homecare.
Therefore you must ensure that you give your bonded teeth the same type and amount of care as your natural teeth.
Bonded teeth can be weaker than natural teeth. So we recommend watching out for food substances that can stain them. Such foods to avoid include smoke, coffee, and cigarettes. Another bad habit of quitting when you get your teeth bonded is biting on hard stuff like fingernails, pens, or chewing on ice.
Such items can chip on the resin and reduce the lifespan of your artificial teeth coating.
Sometimes you might experience discomfort immediately after the bonding procedure. For example, you may feel sharp edges on your teeth or a little pain when you bite into something.
When this happens, kindly call your dentist. The same should also apply in case when the chips or pieces of your bonded teeth begin to fall off.
How to Properly Take Care of Your Bonded Teeth
There is no standard care procedure for bonded teeth.
All you have to do is maintain proper oral hygiene practices as follows:
- Brush your teeth twice a day, especially before you sleep
- Floss your teeth at least once every day
- Rinse your mouth once or twice daily
- Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups
