Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is a common cosmetic dentistry treatment used to enhance your smile. During the procedure, your dentist applies tooth-colored resin composite material to your teeth. It changes their shape, size or color.

Dentists use dental bonding — sometimes called composite bonding or teeth bonding — to:

• Change the shape of your teeth
• Close gaps and spaces between your teeth
• Conceal chips or minor cracks in your teeth
• Hide tooth discoloration
• Make your teeth look longer

Dental bonding can help if you’re self-conscious about how your teeth look. It’s a painless procedure. And it usually only takes a single office visit. If you have oral health issues, like tooth decay, you may need other treatments before getting dental bonding.

What happens during dental bonding?

During this procedure, your dentist will:

1. Select a shade: They’ll use a shade guide to select the resin that matches the color of your natural teeth. Resin is a safe material dentists use for lots of purposes. They use it to fill cavities and protect tooth roots exposed because of receding gums.
2. Prepare your tooth: They’ll roughen the surface of your tooth and apply a liquid. This helps the bonding material stick to your tooth.
3. Apply the composite resin material: The resin material (which is putty-like) is applied, molded and smoothed to the right shape.
4. Cure the material: Your dentist will use a curing light to harden the composite resin and bond it to the surface of your tooth.
5. Polish your tooth: They’ll make final adjustments and polish your tooth to a natural-looking shine.

The procedure takes about 30 to 60 minutes per tooth to complete.

How long will I need this treatment?

You can usually get dental bonding done in a single office visit. The bonding material typically lasts between three and 10 years before it needs to be touched up or replaced.

How long dental bonding lasts depends on lots of things. Factors include your oral habits and how many teeth were treated.

What are the potential benefits and risks of this treatment?

Dental bonding offers many benefits compared to other cosmetic treatments. For example, the procedure is:

• Minimally invasive: Porcelain veneers and dental crowns require removing a significant amount of enamel so the materials stick. But dental bonding typically doesn’t require enamel removal.
• Cost-effective: Dental bonding is one of the least expensive cosmetic dental procedures you can get.
• Versatile: Dental bonding can hide a range of imperfections, including chips, cracks and gaps. Because dental bonding doesn’t require enamel removal, it can be reversed at any time.
• Fast and convenient: Procedures like veneers and crowns require many appointments. Dental bonding can be done in one office visit.

Although dental bonding material is somewhat stain-resistant, it doesn’t resist stains as well as porcelain restorations. And it can chip over time. It’s not as long-lasting as other options, like veneers or crowns.

Dental bonding is an option for making small cosmetic changes. For more dramatic changes, you may need other treatments, like porcelain veneers.

How long will it take for me to feel better?

You may have short-term sensitivity after your dental bonding procedure. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help ease this discomfort.

Typically, teeth bonding requires no downtime. You’ll be able to resume all normal activities once you leave your dentist’s office.

Is there anything I can do to make this treatment easier on me?

As always, you should maintain good oral hygiene after dental bonding. Brush at least twice a day with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Floss between your teeth once daily, and use an alcohol-free mouthwash. See your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.

Because bonding material can chip, it’s important to avoid habits like:

• Biting your fingernails
• Chewing on pens
• Using your teeth to open packages

You can protect the material from staining if you:

• Drink fewer dark beverages, like coffee, tea and red wine
• Limit foods with acid, like citrus and vinegar
• Try to quit smoking (if you do)

When should I see my dentist?

See your dentist if you’re concerned about how your teeth look. They can help design a treatment plan to fit your needs.

If you notice any sharp edges on a bonded tooth or if your tooth feels odd when you bite down, call your dentist. They can correct these issues during an appointment.

What are the risks of dental bonding?

In general, dental bonding doesn’t pose any risks to your oral health. If you have healthy teeth and gums, then it’s safe.

What’s the difference between dental bonding and veneers?

Porcelain veneers are custom-made ceramic shells that stick to the front surfaces of your teeth. To place them, your dentist removes some enamel from your natural teeth. Once placed, porcelain veneers aren’t reversible. They’ll need replacing every 10 to 20 years.

With dental bonding, you may not need major enamel removal. As a result, bonding is reversible. You’ll likely need touchups every three to 10 years.