Ask a Cosmetic Dentist: What Is Dental Bonding

One of the treatment options a cosmetic dentist may employ to improve the appearance of a person's smile is dental bonding. Also known as tooth bonding, dental bonding is a procedure that involves applying a tooth-colored resin to the teeth to achieve the desired result.

What patients should know about dental bonding

When a cosmetic dentist performs dental bonding, the dentist applies a tooth-colored resin to the teeth and then hardens the material by using a light made for this purpose. As the material hardens, it becomes bonded to the tooth, which keeps the material in place.

Uses for dental bonding

Dental bonding can be used to correct issues with the teeth or to change the appearance of the teeth to meet the patient's aesthetic goals. Dentists perform tooth bonding procedures for multiple reasons:

  • Repair chipped, cracked, or decayed teeth
  • Cover stained teeth
  • Give teeth a longer appearance
  • Cover gaps between teeth
  • Alternative to amalgam fillings
  • Cover a tooth root exposed by receding gums

How dental bonding is performed

If bonding is being done to fill a cavity or change the shape of a tooth, the tooth may need to be drilled before the bonding procedure. Otherwise, the cosmetic dentist begins the process by selecting a resin color that matches the shade of the natural teeth. The dentist then roughens the tooth surface and applies a conditioning liquid to make it easier for the resin to adhere to the tooth. Next, the dentist applies, molds, and smooths the resin into the chosen shape. A bright light or laser is then used to harden the resin. Finally, the dentist shapes and trims the hardened material to achieve the desired result and match the appearance of the natural teeth. The entire process usually takes between 30-60 minutes but may require more than one visit if multiple teeth are being bonded.

Advantages of dental bonding

Dental bonding is often less expensive than veneers or crowns because the material can be molded and shaped in the office by the dentist, rather than manufactured in a lab. The procedure also requires less removal of tooth enamel. However, dental bonding is not as durable or stain-resistant as veneers, crowns, and fillings. Bonding material typically needs to be replaced or touched up in 3-10 years.

Caring for bonded teeth

The bonding material is not as strong as natural teeth, so patients are advised to avoid activities, such as nail-biting and ice chewing, that could chip the resin. It is also a good idea to limit the consumption of coffee, tea, and wine and avoid smoking because these substances can stain the resin.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp:
Cosmetic Dentist Dental Bonding in Southington, CT

Conclusion

The dental bonding procedure involves attaching a tooth-colored resin to the tooth to correct discolored teeth, chips, cracks, or gaps. While the material is not as resilient as some other alternative treatments, the procedure is quick, usually less expensive, and with proper aftercare, can last up to 10 years.

Request an appointment or call Weiss Advanced Dentistry PLLC at 860-406-3181 for an appointment in our Southington office.

Related Posts

Fix A Gummy Smile With Cosmetic Dentistry

A gummy smile shows more gum above the teeth than usual, causing the teeth to appear too short. A cosmetic dentist can correct these smiles, as they are more of an aesthetic issue than a functional one. This article will cover the causes of gummy smiles and how to fix them.The average person shows about…

A Smile Makeover From A Cosmetic Dentist

During a smile makeover, a cosmetic dentist typically performs two or more procedures as part of an overall plan to improve a smile's appearance. Therefore, the definition of a smile makeover can be very broad and customizable. Smile makeovers can even be as simple as one procedure, such as dental veneers. A smile makeover plan…

5 Popular Treatments A Cosmetic Dentist Can Perform

When visiting a cosmetic dentist, most are looking for a smile makeover. Many procedures can help improve the appearance and function of your smile, and most only take one or two visits. Here are five of our practice’s most popular cosmetic dentistry treatments.Many patients seek a cosmetic dentist when their at-home whitening treatments deliver less-than-desirable…

Weiss Advanced Dentistry PLLC

Share
Published by
Weiss Advanced Dentistry PLLC

Recent Posts

Oral Surgery from a General Dentist for Dental Implant Placement

An implant is an artificial tooth root placed in the jaw to replace lost roots…

1 week ago

Dentist Near Me: What To Look for in a Practice

If you are in a new location or just need to find a new "dentist…

1 month ago

A Family Dentist Discusses How to Clean Braces

If you have recently gotten braces from the family dentist, you will probably be aware…

2 months ago

Fix a Gummy Smile With Cosmetic Dentistry

A gummy smile shows more gum above the teeth than usual, causing the teeth to…

3 months ago

A Smile Makeover From a Cosmetic Dentist

During a smile makeover, a cosmetic dentist typically performs two or more procedures as part…

3 months ago

5 Popular Treatments a Cosmetic Dentist Can Perform

When visiting a cosmetic dentist, most are looking for a smile makeover. Many procedures can…

3 months ago