Can Tooth Bonding Be Removed? Pros, Cons and Procedure

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:

1. Preparing the tooth surface - The dentist roughens the target area to help the bonding material adhere.
2. Applying bonding agent - A conditioning liquid is applied so the bonding material will stick.
3. Placing bonding material - The putty-like resin is shaped, molded and hardened with a special light.
4. 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.

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.