Overview

What is dental bonding?

Dental bonding is a method used to restore or improve a person’s smile.

Dental bonding can be used to:

Repair decayed teeth (composite resins are used to fill cavities)
Repair chipped or cracked teeth
Improve the appearance of discolored teeth
Close spaces between teeth
Make teeth look longer
Change the shape of teeth
Replace amalgam (such as silver) fillings for a comsmetic alternative
Protect a portion of the tooth's root that has been exposed when gums recede (move toward the root of the tooth).

Procedure Details

What should I know about the dental bonding process?

Before the bonding process: Dental bonding does not require much advanced planning. In addition, anesthesia is often not needed unless bonding is used to fill a decayed tooth.
The bonding process: Your dentist will use a shade guide to select a composite resin -- a durable plastic material -- that closely matches the color of your tooth. The surface of the tooth is roughened and a conditioning liquid is applied. These steps help the bonding substance stick to the tooth. Then the tooth-colored, putty-like resin material is applied, molded, and smoothed to the desired shape on the tooth. Next, the resin is hardened with a special light, which "bonds" the material to the surface of the tooth. Finally, your dentist will trim, shape, and polish the bonded material to match the gloss of the rest of the tooth/teeth.
How long it takes to complete: The procedure takes about 30 to 60 minutes per tooth to complete.

Risks / Benefits

What are the advantages and disadvantages of dental bonding?

Advantages

Bonding is one of the easiest and least expensive cosmetic ("appearance-changing") dental procedures. Veneers and crowns are other types of tooth coverings. However, these tooth coverings must be made in a dental lab. You would need to return to your dentist’s office to have these coverings put on your teeth. Bonding usually can be done in one office visit unless several teeth need to be fixed. Another advantage, compared with veneers and crowns, is that the least amount of tooth enamel is removed. (Enamel is the hard surface layer of your teeth.) Also, unless dental bonding is being used to fill a cavity, anesthesia is usually not required.

Disadvantages

Although the material used in dental bonding is somewhat stain- resistant, it does not resist stains as well as crowns. Another disadvantage is that the bonding materials do not last as long or are as strong as other methods to restore teeth, such as crowns, veneers, or fillings. Also, bonding materials can chip and break off the tooth.

Some dentists view bonding as the best method for making small cosmetic changes, for making a temporary correction of cosmetic defects, and to correct teeth in areas of very low bite pressure (for example, front teeth).

Recovery and Outlook

Do teeth need special care after dental bonding?

No. Simply follow good oral hygiene practices. This means brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss at least once a day and see your dentist for check-ups and cleanings.

Because bonding material can chip, it is important to avoid such habits as biting fingernails; chewing on pens, ice or other hard food objects; or using your bonded teeth as an opener. If you do notice any sharp edges on a bonded tooth or if your tooth feels odd when you bite down, call your dentist.

How long does dental bonding material last?

How long bonding materials last depends on how much bonding was done and your oral habits. Typically, however, bonding material lasts from 3 years to about 10 years before needing to be touched up or replaced.

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