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Teeth Bonding: Right Method for Your Perfect Smile
03 Apr 2024

Teeth Bonding: Right Method for Your Perfect Smile

Do you have a cracked, chipped or discolored tooth? If yes, then this can be the reason for your discomfort and make you feel insecure. Tooth bonding is the best option that can influence how others see you and boost your confidence level. Due to this reason, many people with damaged teeth rush to the dentist for a dental bonding method. Let us take look at this cosmetic procedure and find out if it is the right choice for your perfect smile.

Suitable candidate for a dental bonding treatment

Dental bonding can be used for making cosmetic improvements to your smile. The method uses composite resin material of tooth-color to:

  • Hide cracks or chips in your teeth.
  • Change the size and shape of your teeth
  • Conceal tooth discoloration.
  • Make the teeth appear longer
  • Close unwanted spaces and gaps in between teeth

The same type of composite resin material which is being used in dental bonding may also be used in restorative dentistry to:

  • Replace old silver fillings with the help of cosmetic solution
  • Fill the cavities.
  • Protect the teeth root being exposed due to gum recession.

Know the difference between dental bonding versus veneers in London

Porcelain veneers are customised ceramic shells which adhere to the front surfaces of your teeth. In order to place them, the dentist should remove some enamel from natural teeth. After they are placed, porcelain veneers cannot be reversed and they need to be replaced in every 10 to 20 years.

On the other hand, composite bonding might not need significant enamel removal. Bonding is completely reversible due to this reason and you will require some touchups in every three to ten years. Dentists often use composite veneers for composite resin material to cover the entire surface of tooth.

Benefits of dental bonding

Cosmetic dental bonding provides several benefits when compared to other cosmetic procedure. Some of these are the following:

  • Minimally invasive: Though porcelain veneers and dental crowns need considerable teeth alteration, dental bonding typically does not require removal of the enamel.
  • Affordable: Dental bonding is among the least costly cosmetic dental procedures than other options.
  • Versatile: Dental bonding may hide an extensive range of cosmetic imperfections such as cracks, chips, gaps and discoloration.
  • Quick and convenient: Different cosmetic methods such as crowns and veneers need several appointments to the dentist. Dental bonding can be done in one visit only.

What happens before teeth bonding?

Before dental bonding procedure, the dentist sits down with you and discusses about your cosmetic objectives. He will take dental X-rays and examine the condition of your teeth and gums to ensure you are the right candidate for the procedure. When you experience severe tooth decay, gum disease or other oral health concerns, you probably need to treat those problems as early as possible.

What happens during dental bonding?

During dental bonding procedure, the dentist will:

  • Choosing the right shade: The dentist selects the shade guide for composite resin material that matches with your natural teeth colour.
  • Preparing for your tooth: The tooth surface gets roughened and a conditioning liquid will be applied. These steps help the bonding material stick properly to the tooth.
  • Applying composite resin material: The resin material is being applied, molded and smoothed to your desired shape.
  • Treating the material: After this, the composite resin gets hardened by using a special curing light. This will be bonding the material to your tooth surface.
  • Polishing your tooth: Finally, the dentist makes necessary final adjustments and polishes your tooth for the natural-looking shine.

The procedure generally takes t 30 to 60 minutes per tooth for completion.

What happens after teeth bonding?

After dental bonding treatment is done, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene and keep your mouth healthy. Make sure you brush two times in a day with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, and floss between your teeth once daily. Also, you should see a dentist for mouth cleanings and routine checkups in every six months.

What is the recovery time after dental bonding treatment?

Teeth bonding require minimal downtime and you can continue with your routine activities immediately after leaving the dentist’s clinic.

Do your teeth require special care after dental bonding?

No, you will have to follow good dental hygiene practices. Brush teeth at least two times in a day, floss daily and visit a dentist for routine check-ups and mouth cleanings. As bonding material might chip, it is essential to prevent habits such as biting your fingernails, chewing on pens or using teeth to open packages. If you find sharp edges on a bonded tooth or your tooth feels odd on biting down, see a dentist right away.

How long will dental bonding treatment last?

This will depend on various factors such as your oral care habits and how many teeth had been treated. Typically, bonding material lasts somewhere between three and ten years before needing to replace them.

Is bonding beneficial for your teeth?

Dental bonding does not pose any risks to your oral health. If you are having strong teeth and healthy gums, it is definitely a safe choice. When there is extensive tooth decay, gum disease or other serious oral concerns affecting your overall health, you may need to under other procedures before opting for dental bonding.

Is dental bonding on your teeth permanent?

No, this is because dental bonding does not need removal of enamel and it be reversed any time.

Is it painful to perform dental bonding?

Dental bonding usually is not painful because the dentist won’t be working anywhere close to pain-sensing nerve inside the tooth. Mostly, anesthesia is not necessary during the dental bonding procedure. Some people might suffer from temporary sensitivity after the dental bonding procedure. You may take over-the-counter pain relievers to get rid of the discomfort soon.

Are there any possible risks of teeth bonding?

Dental bonding does not have major risks though composite resin used in this method is not strong like natural teeth. It is quite possible for the material to chip or separate from the tooth. But breaking or chipping won’t take place often with a crown, filling or veneer.

Your bonded tooth might chip when you eat ice, bite down on hard food or candy, bite your fingernails and chew on pens or pencils. The resin is not stain-resistant like other dental materials. You might develop some kind of discoloration when you drink a lot of coffee or smoke.

How to take care of bonded teeth

Taking proper care of your teeth may extend the lifespan of a bonded tooth. Self-care tips are the following:

  • Brushing two times regularly
  • Flossing once daily
  • Do not chew on hard food and candy
  • Avoid biting your nails
  • Do not drink tea, coffee and tobacco for the first two days after the procedure to prevent stains
  • Fix routine dental cleanings every six months

You need to visit a dentist when you accidentally break or chip bonding material or you feel rough or sharp edges after the procedure.

What is the cost of teeth bonding?

Teeth bonding are among the inexpensive tooth repair methods and your dentist decides the cost based on the number of teeth to be bonded along with other factors.

Common factors which might impact the cost of dental bonding are:

  • Number of teeth which need bonding.The dentists usually charge by the tooth.
  • Complexity of the procedure.This depends on the issue to be fixed and your dentist may require more time and use more composite resin.
  • Experience of the dentist.A dentist who specialises in cosmetic dentistry methods might be skilled at teeth bonding and may charge more than a general dentist.
  • Location of the dentist.A dentist who practices in a high cost area where there is greater demand for their services will possibly charge more.

When you need to visit a dentist

When there are cracks, chips, discolorations or other oral concerns about how the teeth look, book an appointment with your dentist right away. He will discuss about your cosmetic goals and create a personalized treatment plan for your needs.

Key Takeways

Cosmetic imperfections such as chips, cracks, gaps or discoloration can detract from smile and make you lose your confident. Teeth bonding are an effective treatment that can create balance and uniformity to your smile. It helps to improve your teeth appearance without performing a cosmetic dentistry procedure. If you are having one or more damaged teeth, speak with the dentist about fixing the damage with dental bonding treatment.