Dental bonding is a cosmetic procedure in which a tooth-colored composite resin material is applied to your teeth to improve your smile. Bonding can improve the appearance of teeth that are chipped, broken, cracked, stained or have spaces between them
Bonding your front teeth actually requires minimal preparation of the tooth. Anesthesia is usually not needed unless there is an old restoration or decay present. The tooth is roughened with a conditioning gel to help the bonding material adhere to the tooth. The composite resin is then applied and cured with an ultraviolet light. Your DHA dentist will then shape and polish the resin to its final appearance.
- Cost: Bonding is one of the least expensive cosmetic procedures.
- Time: Unlike crowns and veneers, which require more time to prepare and a second visit to place them, bonding can be completed in a single visit.
- Invasiveness: Bonding requires minimal tooth removal. Frequently patients get multiple teeth bonded in one short appointment.
- Staining: Although you can achieve excellent results with bonding, the resin does stain over time. Crowns and veneers will be much more stain resistant.
- Durability: Crowns and veneers are more resistant to breaking and usually last much longer than bonding.
How long does dental bonding last?
Success of dental bonding is determined, in part, on the location of the restoration on the tooth. If the bonding is on the very edge of your tooth, it most likely won't not last as long because of biting forces and what types of food you are biting into. Chewy, hard or crunchy foods will weaken the bonding quickly compared to soft foods. Many patients with bonding on their front teeth avoid directly biting into food that can compromise the structural soundness of dental bonding. A tooth colored bonding can last 4 to 8 years on average, depending on tooth location and patient's bite and eating and chewing habits.
How do I care for my bonded teeth?
Teeth that have had dental bonding done do not need different or special at home care. You should brush and floss the areas just like you would for your normal teeth. However, as stated above, dental bonding can and will stain over time. The potential for stain will be much greater (and will happen much faster) for those who consume more coffee, tea, dark cola, red wine, or tobacco products.