Dental Bonding

What you need to know about dental bonding

Dental bonding is a popular way to correct minor problems in your smile’s appearance. It is effective for common issues like worn enamel, small chips, cracks, gaps and discoloration. Many times, the entire procedure can be performed in a matter of hours and you can go home with a whiter smile that same day.

Most dental bonding work is done with a composite resin material that is designed to look like tooth enamel. The results last from 7 to 11 years. Because the material can be polished, shaped and defined to closely match natural teeth, it is an ideal solution for patients with minor cosmetic problems. A qualified cosmetic dentist knows how to match the resin and the color to create a natural look.

How is it done?

While it may sound like a difficult and painful procedure, dental bonding is actually rather easy and generally does not even require anesthesia. The dentist applies solution to the teeth to create fine lines in the enamel for the resin bonding solution to bind to. There are a number of resin materials to choose from, so you can find a shade that matches the exact color of your teeth. If the rest of your teeth are discolored from coffee stains or smoking, you may wish to have a professional teeth whitening procedure done before starting the dental bonding process. Your cosmetic dentist can then match your dental bonding to the whiter hue instead of a dull, stained color.

After the tooth’s surface is ready, the dentist applies a thin layer of resin. A high-intensity laser is used to cure the resin, making it harden on the tooth. When there is enough resin on the surface of the tooth, the cosmetic dental bonding is shaped to match the person’s own teeth as much as possible, and everything is buffed and polished. Resin bonding is usually used for minor defects and discolorations.

Some dentists also use porcelain fillings for dental bonding. The cosmetic dentist takes a moulded impression of your teeth and sends it to a dental laboratory. This procedure requires two visits, the first to create the mold and apply a temporary filling, and the second to affix the permanent porcelain filling. This option is often more popular despite the extra time and cost because it looks more natural and is more durable than resin dental bonding. This porcelain version of cosmetic dental bonding works best on large chips, holes and cracks in the tooth enamel.