What is Dental Bonding?

What is tooth Bonding Used For?

Enamel bonding, also known as teeth bonding, is a cost-effective solution for many minor dental flaws in a tooth. Some of the issues that teeth bonding can resolve include chips, cracks, decaying teeth, and discolored teeth. Bonding can also change the structure of a smile, such as closing a gap between teeth or making a tooth appear longer. These bonding materials can even occasionally replace amalgam or metallic fillings that are used to protect the exposed root of a tooth with receded gums.

How is Dental Bonding Done?

Teeth bonding is an outpatient procedure that usually only requires one appointment, as the whole process for one tooth usually takes between 30 minutes to an hour to complete. Here are the steps to expect from a dental bonding procedure:

  1. A dental professional will prep and clean the tooth to create an optimal bonding surface
  2. The dental professional applies the resin and molds it to the desired shape
  3. The resin is dried by exposing it to UV light. Additional shaping may occur at this stage as well
  4. The tooth is polished and flossed to ensure the restoration is smooth

Because most tooth bonding procedures do not require anesthesia, patients can return to regular daily activities immediately following the procedure.

Are There Any Risks to Tooth Bonding?

The main downside to tooth bonding is that the composite resin isn’t nearly as strong as a natural tooth. This can lead to the resin chipping more easily than a tooth or even breaking off altogether.

How to Care for Bonded Teeth Following the Procedure?

The bonding material used for teeth bonding is prone to staining. To avoid speeding up this process, it’s imperative to avoid consuming staining substances such as tea, coffee, cigarette smoke, and wine for the first 48 hours after the procedure. These substances can still stain teeth, so one should monitor how much they consume them in general.

Patients should reach out to their dental professional if they notice a sharp edge left after the procedure, experience an unusual feel to their bite, or if the bonding chips or pieces fall off completely.

How Long Does Dental Bonding Last?

Enamel bonding can last anywhere from three to ten years before needing repair or replacements depending on oral health and hygiene. Proper oral care includes brushing one’s teeth twice a day, interdental flossing once a day, and regularly visiting a dental professional.

Some other methods to protect a dental bond include:

  1. Avoid chewing hard objects like ice or chewy foods like certain candies
  2. Avoid picking at the boding
  3. Avoid putting sharp objects in the mouth
  4. Use a mouthguard for sports and to prevent grinding damage while sleeping
  5. Rinse one’s mouth with water after consuming highly acidic foods.

Is Tooth Bonding Affordable?

Tooth bonding is one of the most inexpensive tooth repair procedures since it typically does not require an orthodontist, anesthesia, or multiple visits. Prices range depending on insurance and location, but typically sit at $200 – $1,000 per tooth.

Tooth bonding is a simple way to repair many dental issues. Talk to your dentist to determine if tooth bonding is right for you.

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