Dental bonding has become a one of the most used methods for correcting minor cosmetic dental issues because of its versatility and affordability. Bonding is a procedure where tooth-colored resin is applied directly to the front of the tooth in order to improve the tooth’s appearance. Since the resin is cured via an ultraviolet light source to form a bond with the natural tooth, it has ultimately been given the name “bonding”.
Dental Bonding For Minor Cosmetic Issues
Dental bonding techniques are used for a variety of applications and have become a preferred procedure for cosmetic dentistry as well as preventive dentistry. Since the composite material is used to resurface the tooth, it can easily be used to repair chipped or cracked teeth, fill in gaps between teeth, reshape or add length to teeth, correct the appearance of discolored teeth, or can even be used as an alternative to amalgam (silver) dental fillings.
The procedure itself is quick and painless, and usually takes just one visit for the dentist to complete, as opposed to porcelain veneers or dental crowns, which require a lab to custom make each restoration. In cases where multiple teeth require bonding, however, additional office visits may be required since each tooth will generally take between 30 – 60 minutes to complete.
During the procedure, the dentist will choose a shade that best matches your natural teeth (in cases where the resin composite is used to restore discolored teeth, a more desired shade will be chosen), and the composite materials will be mixed. The tooth’s surface will be slightly etched before a conditioning liquid is applied in order to help the composite material securely adhere. The putty-like resin is then applied to the tooth, where it is molded and smoothed to the appropriate shape and size. An ultraviolet light is applied to cure or harden the material and when the resin is fully cured, your dental professional will trim, file and polish the tooth to match the sheen of the surrounding teeth. The process is virtually painless from start to finish. Only when the resin is used to fill a cavity or area of decay in place of another filling material is the use of an anesthetic usually suggested.
Dental bonding is widely used due to its diversity of uses, ease of application and low cost, but there are a few downsides to selecting bonding as opposed to alternative restorative options. The composite material used is stain resistant to some extent, but it may not be as resistant as porcelain crowns or veneers. When used for cosmetic restorations, such as the repair of a chipped tooth, the material itself can also more easily chip and require repair compared to these other restorations. When used to fill cavities or decay, the longevity of resin fillings has been similar to the longevity of amalgam. As for aesthetics, in comparison to amalgam, composite restorations are largely preferred because they are virtually undetectable due to their matched color shade.
Low cost, as well as painless and quick application, make dental bonding procedures so popular. To see if bonding is right for you, speak to your dental professional at your next visit.
For more information about dental bonding and other cosmetic dentistry services offered in our Astoria, dental office, contact Park Dental Care at 718-274-1515.
