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The Process Of Bonding Your Teeth
You have probably heard of dental bonding at some point
, but if you are like most Americans, you probably have no idea what it really means. Dental bonding is a procedure in which a tooth-colored resin material (a durable plastic material) is applied and hardened with a special light, which ultimately "bonds" the material to the tooth to restore or improve person's smile.To know whether you are a dental bonding candidate, the main purposes of this procedure are to repair decayed teeth (composite resins are used to fill cavities), to repair chipped or cracked teeth, to improve the appearance of discolored teeth, to close spaces between teeth, to make teeth look longer, to change the shape of teeth, as a cosmetic alternative to amalgam fillings, and to protect a portion of the tooth's root that has been exposed when gums recede. If you are having a problem with any of these, you may want to talk to your dentist about the possibility of having this procedure.
When it comes to the preparation, little advance preparation is needed for dental bonding. Anesthesia is often not necessary unless the bonding is being used to fill a decayed tooth.
Your dentist will use a shade guide to select a composite resin color that will closely match the color of your tooth. Our teeth are not naturally all white, so matching perfectly can be a little difficult.
Next, the surface of the tooth will be roughened and a conditioning liquid applied. These procedures help the bonding material adhere to the tooth.
The tooth-colored, putty-like resin is then applied, molded, and smoothed to the desired shape. An ultraviolet light or laser is then used to harden the material.
After the material is hardened, your dentist will further trim and shape it, and polish it to match the sheen of the rest of the tooth surface. This process can take between thirty and sixty minutes per tooth.
Among the many advantages of having this done, dental bonding is among the easiest and least expensive of cosmetic dental procedures. Unlike veneers and crowns, which are customized tooth coverings that must be manufactured in a laboratory, bonding usually can be done in one office visit unless several teeth are involved.
Another advantage, compared with veneers and crowns, is that the least amount of tooth enamel is removed. Also, unless dental bonding is being performed to fill a cavity, anesthesia is usually not required.
There are some downsides that may accompany this procedure as well. Although the material used in dental bonding is somewhat stain resistant, it does not resist stains as well as crowns.
Another disadvantage is that the bonding materials do not last as long nor are as strong as other restorative procedures, such as crowns, veneers, or fillings. Additionally, bonding materials can chip and break off the tooth.
Because of some of the limitations of dental bonding, some dentists view it as best suited for small cosmetic changes, for temporary correction of cosmetic defects, and for correction of teeth in areas of very low bite pressure (for example, front teeth). Consult with your dentist about the best cosmetic approach for your particular problem.
Fortunately, bonded teeth do not require special care. All you need to do is to follow good oral hygiene practices. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss at least once a day, and see your dentist for regular professional check-ups and cleanings.
Because bonding material can chip, it is important to avoid such habits as biting fingernails, chewing on pens, ice, or other hard food objects, or using your bonded teeth as an opener. If you do notice any sharp edges on a bonded tooth or if your tooth feels odd when you bite down, call your dentist.
The lifespan of bonding materials for your teeth depends on how much bonding was done and your oral habits. Typically, however, bonding material lasts anywhere from three to ten years before it may need to be re-touched or replaced.
Costs of dental bonding may vary depending on where you live. Generally, bonding can range in cost from one to four hundred dollars per tooth. Check with your dental insurance company to find out if the cost of bonding might be fully or partially covered.
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