Tooth bonding, also known as dental bonding, is a cosmetic dental procedure that involves using a tooth-coloured resin to restore the appearance of a tooth. This is a minimally invasive and affordable method to repair teeth that are chipped, decayed, or cracked. Additionally, dental bonding can be used to alter the shape of a tooth, close gaps between teeth, and make teeth appear longer. Unlike veneers and crowns, which require customization by a ceramist, dental bonding can usually be completed in a single visit to the dental clinic.
What does dental bonding involve?
There are two basic types of dental bonding procedures:
Restorations
White or tooth-coloured fillings have been a preferred method of filling teeth for decades. These fillings are an excellent option for filling a small cavity, replacing a small old mercury or composite filling, and repairing an otherwise-healthy broken tooth.
However, there are limitations when the cavity or old filling is large, or if the tooth to be restored has significant cracks or fractures. In these instances, a porcelain filling might be a better option than dental bonding. After examining your unique restoration issue, we will discuss the pros and cons of tooth bonding for your situation. At Georgian Mall Family Dental, we’re passionate about helping our patients understand all the options for fixing, filling or improving their teeth. We want you to have all of the information you need before deciding which dental restoration is the best option for you.
Cosmetic Bonding
Cosmetic bonding is an excellent solution for chipped teeth, fractured teeth, decaying teeth or discolouration. To prepare your tooth surface, we’ll lightly sand the tooth being bonded and coat it with a conditioning liquid to help the resin adhere. Next, we’ll apply a resin specially selected to match your teeth and apply it to the tooth’s surface, carefully moulding and shaping the material to look like a natural tooth. This resin is then hardened with a UV light or laser. Once the resin has hardened we might perform a little additional shaping and polishing to ensure it’s a perfect match – and we’re done. The whole process usually only takes about 30 to 60 minutes.
Are there drawbacks to dental bonding?
Even though the bonding material is an advanced polymer, it is still a type of plastic. A drawback to using plastic as a restorative material is that it is porous (on a microscopic level), and therefore can absorb stains easier than natural enamel or porcelain veneers. If you opt for dental bonding, you can expect the restoration to require a little extra maintenance such as polishing and stain removal. For this reason, we typically recommend porcelain veneers when cosmetically enhancing eight or more teeth.
Take your smile to the next level with Georgian Mall Family Dental.