Dental bonding, also known as tooth bonding, is a popular procedure that is used for a variety of reasons. Bonding can be used to cover up a myriad of imperfections, such as chips, cracks, gaps, and discolorations, and it is also used to fill in cavities. Dental bonding is popular because it uses a tooth-colored material, which makes it almost impossible to tell that any work has been done. It is also non-invasive and can often be completed in just one office visit.
There are two main types of bonding procedures. Each one uses a composite resin, which is a flexible plastic that is easily molded to get the desired results.
Direct bonding is more commonly used than indirect, and it is used for multiple reasons. Composite bonding is often used as an alternative to amalgam fillings. For this procedure, the bonding material is molded into the tooth to cover the area where the decayed material was removed. A high-intensity light hardens it into place. It is then polished and smoothed for a natural look. This method is also used to cover small chips or decayed areas.
Direct bonding is used to cover up teeth roots if they are exposed. This is an option for people with recessed gums or sensitive teeth.
Direct dental bonding is one option for those who do not like how their smile looks due to stained, cracked, or chipped teeth or because there are small gaps in between teeth. For this procedure, the dentist begins by roughening the surface of the affected teeth, which makes it easier for the bonding material to adhere.
Then, multiple layers of the composite resin are applied to the front of the tooth and hardened with a UV light. The dentist then shapes and trims the material to the desired look and polishes it. Because dental bonding can change the shape, size, and color of teeth, it is commonly used for cosmetic purposes.
Indirect dental bonding is used to restore decayed or broken teeth. Also called inlays, this is an option when the area of damage is too big for a filling.
Unlike direct bonding, which takes only one visit to complete, indirect bonding requires two visits. During the first visit, the dentist obtains a mold of the affected tooth. This is sent to a lab where the dental inlay is made. On the second visit, the dentist bonds the inlay to the tooth.
These are some of the most commonly asked questions about dental bonding.
Dental bonding has multiple benefits for patients:
The main disadvantage of dental bonding is that the material stains more easily and is less durable than porcelain restorations. Patients may need to have dental bonding work touched up more frequently than other types of restorations.
Dentists must remove enamel from the patient's teeth before placing porcelain veneers. Once the veneers are in place, the procedure is not reversible and the veneers must be replaced every 10 to 20 years, according to Cleveland Clinic.
Dentists usually do not need to remove enamel to complete a dental bonding procedure. If patients do not like the results, the procedure is reversible. Most patients need to get their dental bonding touched up every three to 10 years.
Patients do not usually experience pain during a dental bonding procedure because the dentist is not doing work near the nerve inside the tooth. Some people may temporarily experience tooth sensitivity after the procedure. Patients can usually relieve any issues with sensitivity by taking over-the-counter pain medication.
Dental bonding is used for both restorative and cosmetic reasons, and it is more affordable than most other procedures. The bonding material is more susceptible to stains and chips, so wearers should limit consumption of dark-colored beverages, avoid biting on hard objects and foods, avoid smoking, and wear a night guard if they grind or clench their teeth while sleeping. With the proper care, bonded teeth can typically last up to 10 years.
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