What Tooth Bonding Is and How It Works
Tooth bonding is a cosmetic dentistry procedure that applies a tooth-colored composite resin material to the surface of teeth. It can be used to restore chipped, cracked, misshapen or discolored teeth for an improved smile.
Purposes of Tooth Bonding
Common reasons tooth bonding is performed include:
- Fixing chipped or cracked tooth edges
- Repairing decayed teeth
- Altering tooth shape, size or color
- Closing small gaps between teeth
- Protecting exposed tooth roots
The Tooth Bonding Process
Getting tooth bonding involves just a few steps:
- Preparing the tooth surface - The dentist roughens the target area to help the bonding material adhere.
- Applying bonding agent - A conditioning liquid is applied so the bonding material will stick.
- Placing bonding material - The putty-like resin is shaped, molded and hardened with a special light.
- Finishing and polishing - Once set, the material is trimmed, shaped and polished smooth.
Can Tooth Bonding Be Removed or Replaced?
The good news is that tooth bonding is not a permanent procedure. While long-lasting when properly cared for, bonded resin can be removed or replaced in the future if needed or desired.
Reasons Bonding May Need Removal
Common reasons tooth bonding requires removal or replacement include:
- Bonding cracks, stains or becomes damaged
- Decay or other issues develop underneath bonded resin
- Discolored bonding no longer matches neighboring teeth
- Gaps reopen between bonded teeth over time
- Patient is unhappy with the look or shape of bonded teeth
How Dentists Remove Existing Tooth Bonding
Removing old tooth bonding is a quick and painless process for patients. The dentist uses small dental tools or a minute sandblaster to gently break the bond between resin and tooth. This allows intact removal of bonding material with no or minimal impact to healthy underlying tooth structure.
Preparing Teeth for New Bonding
Once old bonding is taken off, the dentist may roughen the exposed tooth area before applying new bonding material. This helps the tooth bond properly and securely to the replacement resin. Any decay or other issues can also be addressed before fresh bonding is done.
The Pros and Cons of Removing Tooth Bonding
If you are considering getting older tooth bonding removed, weighing the pros and cons can help decide if it is right for your situation.
Potential Advantages
- Improve aesthetic appearance of smile
- Eliminate damaged or discolored bonding
- Treat underlying oral health issues
- Correct shape, size or position of bonded teeth
- Refresh bonding for longer-lasting results
Possible Disadvantages
- More tooth structure lost from new roughening/preparation
- Increased cost for replacement bonding procedure
- Need for temporary restoration between bonding
- Repeat bonding may not last as long as initial
Discussing expectations, limitations and options with your dentist can clarify whether removal and replacement of bonding is advantageous for you.
Caring for Bonded Teeth Long-Term
While tooth bonding won't permanently restore teeth, taking good care of bonded teeth can help the results last for 5-10 years or longer before needing refreshed. Be sure to:
- Brush normally twice a day
- Floss once daily
- See your dentist for checkups as scheduled
- Promptly replace cracked, stained or damaged bonding
Using great oral hygiene and avoiding tooth grinding or biting hard objects can also extend the longevity of bonded teeth.
FAQs
Is getting bonding taken off painful?
No, removing existing bonding is not a painful process. The dentist gently breaks the resin-to-tooth bond using dental tools. This allows intact removal with no or minimal discomfort and no damage to healthy tooth underneath.
Can you remove just one bonded tooth?
Yes, it is possible to remove bonding from only a single tooth, leaving surrounding bonded teeth intact. This allows targeting only damaged bonding or teeth with underlying issues needing treatment.
Do teeth need reshaped when bonding is replaced?
Not necessarily - in some cases original tooth preparation and shape underneath is in good condition for new bonding to adhere to. But dentists may roughen surfaces or reshape areas to optimize durability of replacement bonding.
How long do bonded teeth last?
With proper oral care and avoidance of damage, durability of 5-10 years or longer can be expected from tooth bonding. But bonding can be refreshed as needed over a lifetime to maintain aesthetic, healthy smile results.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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