Dental bonding is an effective solution to chipped teeth, tooth gaps, or discoloration. It is a quick and painless outpatient procedure that requires little recovery time.
Dental bonding is not as strong as natural enamel or tooth structure, so it may not be the right option for fixing a broken tooth or filling severe cavities. It is also not as stain-resistant as veneers or crowns.
How It Works
Teeth bonding is a fast, in-and-out procedure. It typically requires no anesthesia unless the dentist needs to drill or dramatically change the shape of your tooth. You might need anesthesia if your cracked tooth is close to the nerve, however.
Your dentist prepares the tooth by roughening it and brushing on a conditioning liquid. Then, they apply the bonding resin, which is a putty-like material. The dentist molds and shapes the resin to match your tooth’s shade, then they use a UV light to harden it. The dentist may further buff and polish the bonded area to achieve its natural shine.
Bonded teeth require the same care as natural teeth, including daily brushing, flossing, and oral rinses. It’s also important to minimize exposure to foods and beverages that stain natural teeth, like coffee and red wine. You should also avoid habits that could chip a bonded tooth, such as chewing on ice or pens, and biting your fingernails. In addition to these preventive measures, dental checkups and cleanings are essential for maintaining the condition of your bonded teeth.
Benefits
Dental bonding can address a variety of cosmetic issues. It repairs minor chips and cracks in teeth and strengthens them by covering them with composite resin. It can also mask discolorations, fill in tooth gaps and lengthen short teeth. It is typically a pain-free procedure that can be completed in one visit to the dentist. It’s also less expensive than some other restorative treatments like veneers and dental crowns.
Unlike porcelain crowns or veneers, the material used in dental bonding looks more natural and blends well with the color of your existing teeth. The dentist can match the composite resin to the shine or original color of your smile. It can last up to 10 years, but it’s important to avoid habits like biting fingernails or chewing on pens and ice, and minimizing exposure to staining foods and drinks to help protect your bonded teeth.
During this treatment, your dentist will prepare the surface of your tooth by roughening it and applying a conditioning liquid to help the bonding stick. Then they will apply a tooth-colored resin to the affected tooth and cure it with a curing light.
Cost
Dental bonding is a cheaper cosmetic procedure than veneers and crowns. It’s also less invasive than most other restoration procedures. Before performing the treatment, your dentist consults with you to understand your cosmetic goals and make sure the process is realistic for your situation. Your dentist then removes any decay or damaged areas of your tooth, usually by drilling. They may use anesthesia if they are working near a nerve or doing significant shaping to the tooth. Then, an etching liquid roughens and conditions the tooth for improved adhesion, and they coat it with the putty-like resin, which they mold and shape to the correct size and appearance of your teeth. Finally, the dentist hardens and cures it with a special light.
While dental bonding is a durable material, it’s not as strong as your natural teeth and may chip or discolor over time. You can improve the longevity of your bonded teeth by following good oral hygiene practices, avoiding habits that can damage them (such as chewing on pens or ice), and visiting the dentist for regular cleanings and whitening sessions.
Risks
While dental bonding is typically less expensive and much more convenient than veneers or crowns, the composite resin isn’t as strong as a natural tooth and can chip. The bonding material is also not as stain-resistant, so it’s important to avoid smoking or consuming foods and beverages that may discolor the resin.
Before applying the bonding material, your dentist will roughen up your tooth with an etching solution. This allows the bonding material to better adhere to your teeth. Afterward, your dentist will apply the material to the tooth and harden it with a special light. The procedure is painless, and anesthesia is rarely needed unless the procedure is being used to fill a cavity.
Typically, a bonded tooth will last for three to ten years before it needs to be touched up or replaced. You can extend its lifespan by practicing good oral hygiene and visiting your dentist for regular cleanings and exams. To help keep your teeth healthy and looking their best, brush them at least twice a day, floss daily and limit acidic foods like coffee and red wine.
Schedule Your Appointment
Dental bonding is one of the simplest cosmetic treatments for repairing chips, gaps, cracks, and discoloration. It’s also one of the least expensive, and can often be done in a single appointment. Because it is considered a cosmetic treatment, however, dental insurance usually does not cover it.
The procedure itself involves the dentist applying a tooth-colored composite resin material to the affected area and hardening it with a special light. No advance preparation is required, and anesthesia is generally unnecessary unless the dentist needs to drill or dramatically change the shape of the tooth, or the chip is near a nerve. The dentist will use a shade chart to choose a composite resin color that closely matches your existing teeth.
Once the composite resin has been bonded, it is polished and finished to look just like your natural teeth. It will be highly durable and can last up to 10 years with proper oral hygiene, but it’s important to note that your restoration is vulnerable to staining and chipping. Therefore, it is important to follow good oral hygiene habits and avoid chewing on tough or sticky foods to maintain your bonding.