Dental Bonding

What Are the Advantages of Dental Bonding?

Tooth bonding is often combined with enameloplasty, in which the tooth is contoured and shaped to match the rest of the teeth or to alter the tooth’s appearance. Tooth bonding has many advantages in the cosmetic dentistry field in that it is the least invasive procedure used to improve the appearance and structure of teeth, often requiring no anesthesia for the painless treatment.
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It’s also a great alternative to veneers and dental crowns to cover up imperfections because it is much more cost-effective, reversible, and does not require significant removal of natural tooth enamel.

The Bonding Process

First, Dr. Will Jones will determine if you are a suitable candidate for dental bonding by examining your teeth. A good candidate is someone who has minor cracks or chips in the teeth or other cosmetic issues like discoloration, unevenly shaped or sized teeth, or an exposed root. You should not have any significant oral health problems like gum disease, extensive decay, or severe chips or cracks in the teeth.
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Composite resin is tooth-colored and a shade guide will be referred to so we can match the color of the resin to your natural teeth as closely as possible. Next, we will roughen up the surface of the tooth or teeth receiving the bonding and apply a conditioning liquid that will help the resin bond with the tooth. 
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Anesthesia is not necessary unless you are receiving a filling or if drilling is necessary to alter the shape of the tooth. Then, we apply the composite resin material to the tooth, perform any necessary molding, and harden it through UV light. 
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If the tooth still needs to be filed or shaped, this can be performed after the composite resin has been cured. The procedure is completed with polishing so the tooth’s sheen matches the rest of your mouth.

Dental Bonding Aftercare

Altogether, the procedure takes between 30-60 minutes per tooth. While you will not have to wait to eat, you may experience some tooth sensitivity immediately after receiving dental bonding so you may want to refrain from enjoying excessively hot or cold foods and drinks.
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Bonded teeth can still stain, so limit your consumption of staining foods, drinks, and tobacco products. Sipping through a straw can limit the interaction between highly pigmented drinks and your teeth. You will also want to avoid causing wear and tear to your bonded tooth or teeth. If you grind your teeth at night, you should wear a nightguard. 
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Don’t use your teeth to open packages or chew on objects or hard foods. Maintain good overall oral hygiene by brushing your teeth for at least 2 minutes twice a day and flossing once a day. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently brush your teeth without applying too much force and fluoride toothpaste. Make sure you visit the dentist every 6 months for a dental cleaning and checkup.