A New Smile Was the Best Investment of My Life

What You Need To Know About Dental Bonding

16 July 2015

Oscar Allen

Do your teeth have minor imperfections? Consider having a dental bonding procedure come to your rescue. Dental bonding is a process where resin is applied to teeth in order to improve their appearance. It is often seen as an alternative to veneers, and is highly affordable.

When You Should Consider Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is an incredibly versatile procedure that's able to repair many minor tooth defects. You should consider having your teeth bonded if you have:

• Small chips or pits in your teeth
• Gaps between your teeth
• Cavities

You should definitely consider having your teeth bonded if you're in need of a fix that is aesthetically appealing. Most bonding procedures are ideal for a bride-to-be because they are able to make a smile picture perfect quickly.

How Dental Bonding Is Done

Resin is the star of the show when it comes to dental bonding. First, your dentist will apply phosphoric acid to your teeth, to gently roughen the surface so the resin has something to hold on to. Next, your dentist will mold and shape the plastic composite to fill the defects in your tooth. After the resin is shaped appropriately a laser is used to cure it. Most bonding procedures take 30-60 minutes per tooth, and if you have many teeth that need to be bonded it may take multiple visits.

The only time anesthesia is required during the bonding process is when a cavity needs to be filled. This is due to the more intensive work involved in filling your tooth. Having a cavity filled with composite has the additional benefit of being the natural color of the tooth. This gives composite fillings a more natural appearance than amalgam fillings.

After the procedure is finished, be careful to avoid foods that may stain your teeth for up to 48 hours after the resin is applied. If you do happen to stain your composite, most stains can be safely removed at your dentist's office with a cleaning.

How Long They Last

Dental bonds can last anywhere from 10-15 years. One of the largest impacts on a bond's longevity is where it's applied to the tooth. Resin tends to last longer when it's applied toward the gum line of the tooth. This is because the composite is less likely to come into contact with hard objects while chewing.

If you're considering dental bonding, you should make an appointment with a dentist like Richard M Holmes DMD PA. They can help you decide if this treatment option is best for you and your oral health. 

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