The dental bonding procedure uses a tooth-colored resin (a long-lasting plastic material) and repairs a variety of structural issues with your mouth. It is also used for cosmetic procedures. The basic concept is that dental bonding applies a “cover” of any natural flaws in your current teeth, by applying a thin coat of plastic material on the front of them. It is hardened with a special laser that essentially bonds the material to the tooth to improve your smile. It is used to repair chipped or broken teeth, reshape your smile, fill in gaps or change the color of your teeth. It has been called the answer in decaying teeth, and even can remove stains.

 

What is Dental Bonding used to repair?

• To repair decayed teeth (composite resins are used to fill cavities)
• To repair chipped teeth
• To repair cracked teeth
• To improve the appearance of discolored teeth
• Remove stains
• To fill in gaps between your teeth
• To change the shape of teeth
• To protect a portion of the tooth's root that has been exposed when gums recede

What to expect?

Unlike many cosmetic procedures, little advance preparation is needed for dental bonding. Anesthesia is usually not need for it unless it is repairing a tooth that is decaying. Your cosmetic dentist will use a shade chart to select the correct composite resin which will match your tooth color.

The surface of your tooth will be etched (scraping kind of, it roughens the tooth to allow for better bonding) and then a conditioned liquid will be applied. The composite resin is then applied, molded and smoothed out to the desired shape. A laser is then used to harden the material, and then your cosmetic dentist will make the final corrections, shaping, cleaning to ensure it matches the rest of your tooth surfaces.

Pros of Dental Bonding:

• It is usually the simplest and most cost effective dental procedure
• Very little tooth enamel is removed, less than crowns and veneers
• Anesthesia is usually not required
• Will match the color of your teeth
• Can usually be completed in one office visit

Cons of Dental Bonding:

• Can easily be stained
• Do not last long compared to veneers or crowns - usually about 3 years, though they can last up to 10
• Bonding materials can chip and break off a part of the tooth