Understanding Teeth Bonding
Teeth bonding is a common cosmetic dentistry procedure that can improve the appearance of chipped, cracked, misshapen, or discolored teeth. During teeth bonding, a dentist applies a tooth-colored resin material to the tooth surface and sculpts it into the desired shape before hardening it with a special light. The resin bonds to the natural tooth structure to create a smooth, restored tooth surface.
Why Do People Get Teeth Bonding?
There are many reasons people may choose to get dental bonding:
- Fix chips or cracks in the teeth
- Improve the appearance of discolored or stained teeth
- Close up unwanted spaces between teeth
- Reshape teeth that are uneven or too small
- Create a brighter, more youthful smile
The bonding procedure is quick, minimally invasive, and provides immediate results. The bonded resin is also stain-resistant and mimics the light reflecting properties of natural tooth enamel.
What to Expect During the Teeth Bonding Procedure
Getting dental bonding is a relatively simple process that is performed right in the dentist's chair. There is no downtime or recovery needed after getting bonding done. The steps generally include:
- Preparation - The tooth is roughened slightly to allow the resin to adhere properly.
- Bonding Application - The tooth-colored resin is applied and molded onto the tooth surface.
- Setting the Resin - A special curing light is used to harden the resin.
- Finishing - The bonding is trimmed and finely polished to match the surrounding teeth.
Numbing medication may be used if the bonding is being placed on a cracked or sensitive area of the tooth. The entire appointment usually takes less than an hour from start to finish.
Images of Teeth Bonding Results
Seeing before and after photos of dental bonding can help give you an idea of the type of cosmetic improvements that are possible with this treatment. Here are some examples of issues that can be resolved with bonding:
Fixing Chips and Cracks
Small cracks and chips in the teeth not only detract from your smile but can worsen over time. Bonding helps restore strength and appearance.
Image: Chipped front tooth repaired with dental bonding.
Closing Gaps Between Teeth
Gaps between the front teeth (diastemas) can negatively impact the look of your smile. Bonding provides an affordable way to close these spaces.
Image: Gap between front teeth closed with bonding resin.
Reshaping Uneven Teeth
Bonding material can be added to smooth over uneven teeth edges to create a more uniform smile.
Image: Bonding used to correct uneven teeth.
Enhancing Discolored Teeth
Teeth discoloration can occur as one ages or due to medication use or unhealthy habits. Dental bonding camouflages dark, yellowed teeth.
Image: Teeth whitened with dental bonding treatment.
Protecting Sensitive Teeth
Bonding can also be used to cover over cracked or exposed dentin, providing protection for sensitive teeth.
Image: Exposed root covered with tooth-colored bonding.
What to Expect Post-Bonding
Teeth bonding provides immediate results that can last for several years with proper oral care. Some things to expect after getting dental bonding include:
- Increased confidence in your smile's appearance
- Minimal discomfort - Composite bonds are highly polished for comfort
- Avoiding chewing hard foods or habits that could crack the resin
- Practicing good oral hygiene to prevent staining or damage near bonded areas
- Occasional bonding reapplication if aging, chipping, or stains occur
With proper care and oral health habits, bonded teeth can provide beautiful, natural-looking improvements for many years.
Maintaining Your Bonding
Learning how to take care of your dental bonding will help it last. Tips for making your bonded teeth last include:
- Brushing twice a day
- Flossing daily
- Seeing your dentist regularly for exams and cleanings
- Avoiding hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that could crack the resin
- Wearing a mouthguard if playing sports to prevent trauma
- Giving up bad habits like teeth grinding or nail biting that stress bonding
Practicing good oral hygiene and avoiding damage will keep your bonding intact longer. Be sure to schedule regular dental visits for polishing and bond evaluations too.
When to Consider Rebonding or Repairs
While dental bonding can last for many years, problems can occasionally occur requiring rebonding or repairs. Reasons you may need bonding touched up include:
- Bonding cracks, fractures or falls out
- Chipping or staining occurs near the bonded tooth
- Receding gums start to expose unbonded tooth surfaces
- You desire a change in shape or want the color freshened up
The good news is that bonding repair appointments are fast and non-invasive. Your dentist can quickly fix chips or fractures by adding new composite resin in just a few minutes.
If you notice any damage to your dental bonding, schedule an evaluation right away before the issues get worse or spread to your natural tooth underneath.
Cost of Rebonding Procedures
Most dental insurance plans cover a portion of rebonding or repair costs:
- Small bonding repairs: $100-$300 per tooth
- Bond replacement due to fractures or loss of bond: $200-$500 per tooth
- Color corrections and changes: $300-$600 per tooth
As you can see, fixing previous bonding work is highly affordable compared to other more complex restorative treatments. And it saves your natural tooth underneath.
Alternatives to Traditional Bonding
While composite resin bonding remains a top choice for minor tooth flaws, there are some alternatives to consider too, including:
No-Prep Veneers
Like bonding, no-prep veneers are thin shells adhered onto the front of teeth. The main differences are:
- No tooth reduction needed
- Made from more translucent porcelain
- Resist stains better than bonding
- Cost more upfront but tend to last longer
Orthodontic Treatment
For issues like gaps or crooked teeth, orthodontics like Invisalign or braces may be an alternative to provide straighter teeth over time.
Dental Crowns
When there is more extensive tooth damage from decay or trauma, a crown may be needed. Crowns require more tooth preparation but fully restore and protect damaged teeth.
Discuss options with your dentist to determine if an alternative treatment like veneers or orthodontics is appropriate instead of teeth bonding.</p
FAQs
Does dental bonding look natural?
Yes, dental bonding is designed to mimic the appearance of natural teeth. The composite resin material matches the color and translucency of healthy tooth enamel. The dentist also sculpts and polishes the bonding so it looks seamless.
Is teeth bonding painful?
No, getting dental bonding is not a painful procedure. Your dentist may use a local anesthetic if bonding very sensitive areas. But in most cases, only mild sensitivity or discomfort is felt when the resin is set and hardened under the curing light.
Can you eat and drink with bonded teeth?
Yes, you can eat and drink normally with dental bonding. However, you'll want to avoid chewing excessively hard or crunchy foods which could crack the resin material.
How long does bonding last?
With proper oral care, dental bonding can last 5-7 years or longer before repairs or replacement bonding is needed. Avoiding biting or chewing habits that could crack the resin will help bonded restorations last.
Can bonding stains be removed?
Yes, minor bonding stains can usually be polished away during routine dental visits. However, if excess staining or yellowing occurs, the dentist may need to replace old bonding with fresh new resin to restore a white, rejuvenated smile.
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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