A variety of general dentistry techniques are available to repair damage to teeth and improve their appearance. Dental bonding is a popular technique because it is both inexpensive and relatively easy for both dentist and patient.
Dental bonding involves applying a resin that mimics the appearance of the teeth in color and hardness. It has both therapeutic and cosmetic uses, with advantages and disadvantages.
Dental bonding can be used to repair minor cracks or chips in the surface of the teeth. It bonds to the tooth to correct the defect without the need for drilling.
Traditional metal fillings can cause the teeth to appear discolored. Composite resins used in bonding can be used in fillings to repair the cavity while maintaining the tooth's original color. If bonding is used for a filling, it is necessary to drill the tooth. This is one of the few situations in which drilling is necessary for bonding.
Periodontal disease can cause the gums to recede, exposing portions of the roots of a tooth. Bonding can be used to protect the exposed portion of the root.
Bonding is a versatile technique that can be used cosmetically to improve the appearance of the mouth in several ways:
Bonding materials are not very strong compared to other restoration methods used in general dentistry. It may be necessary to repeat bonding due to chipping or staining. On the other hand, bonding can be much more convenient since it can typically be performed in one session and requires the removal of very little tooth enamel.
While dental bonding works well in many situations, it is not appropriate for treating severe tooth damage. Surface cracks and minor chips can be addressed, but more severe damage will require other alternatives, such as veneers or dental crowns.
Also, the affected teeth should be in good health overall and free of decay for cosmetic applications. Minor cavities should be treated first, while major ones may also require a different treatment approach. Dental bonding can be used on patients of a wide range of ages, spanning from childhood well into the senior years. However, only a dentist can determine if this approach is right for you.
Bonding takes about 30 to 60 minutes per tooth to complete. Apart from matching the color of the teeth using a shade guide, it requires minimal preparation.
The bonding material has to stick to the teeth. The dentist helps this process by applying a conditioning liquid and roughening the tooth's surface. The resin used for bonding is a putty-like material. After applying the resin to the tooth, the dentist shapes it by smoothing and molding it. Once the resin is in the desired shape, the dentist uses a laser or blue light to harden it.
So that the bonded portion matches the sheen of the rest of the tooth, the dentist polishes it after further trimming to achieve exactly the right shape. When bonding is complete, the tooth should be identical in appearance to all the others. An observer should not be able to tell that there has been any work done at all.
Dental bonding is considered a virtually painless procedure, so no downtime is required. Patients may experience some slight sensitivity following the treatment, but this should be minimal and should improve within a few days. In the meantime, avoid extremely hot or cold foods and beverages to minimize discomfort.
Because dental bonding does not change the nature of the tooth, no special cleaning tools or procedures are required. Continue to brush and floss on a daily basis, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Otherwise, you could scratch the surface of the resin, resulting in more staining down the road. Avoid using alcohol-based mouthwashes. These can weaken the resin material over time.
Even though dental bonding is often used to whiten a smile, it can still be susceptible to discoloration. Limit or avoid foods that are known to stain teeth, such as red wine, coffee, curry, beets, and dark berries. Maintain good oral hygiene and keep up with your routine cleaning appointments as well.
In the field of general dentistry, bonding can be used for either therapeutic or cosmetic purposes. While it has its disadvantages, it is affordable, can be performed in about an hour, and does not require many changes to the underlying tooth.
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