Facts About Dental Bonding
Tooth bonding is a cosmetic dental procedure that may give you the confidence to smile, and a healthy smile is a self-esteem boost. Cosmetic bonding is the application of tooth-colored material to one or more teeth to repair the damage. Our dentist uses a special light to harden the tooth. This process is dental bonding. Read on to learn the facts about dental bonding.
1. Dental Bonding is for Minor Procedures
If you have minor teeth imperfections, cosmetic bonding is an exceptional solution. Cosmetic bonding may help improve the appearance of slightly crooked teeth. Our dentist will add some composite resin in strategic places to hide misaligned teeth, improving the outlook of your smile.
If your teeth are badly misaligned, our dentist would recommend other treatment options before bonding.
Do you have small spaces in your teeth? Dental bonding for gaps is a timely solution. Our dental team places the composite resin on your teeth, closing the space between them. The results are amazing. Tooth bonding also increases the size of your tooth. For example, you probably have a shorter tooth than the rest, and you would like them to be of the same length.
Apart from the two explained above, dental bonding is good for the following minor procedures:
- Repair decayed teeth
- Improve the appearance of a discolored tooth
- Change the shape of the teeth.
- Repair cracked tooth
Please take note that it is only possible to correct minor teeth problems with dental bonding. For severe dental issues, the dentist may recommend other procedures.
2. Bonding is a Fast and Non-invasive Procedure
Dental bonding procedures are easy and fast. Anesthesia is often unnecessary unless our dental team is filling a cavity on a decayed tooth. To start the process, the dentist selects a composite resin color that closely resembles the color of your natural teeth.
Next, the surface of your teeth is roughened, and a conditioning liquid is added. It lets the bonding agent (material) stick to your tooth.
A tooth-colored composite resin is applied, and the teeth shaped and smoothed. Finally, the dentist uses ultraviolet light to harden the material. The teeth are reshaped again. Dental bonding in San Diego takes 30 to 60 minutes per tooth to complete.
3. Dental Bonding is not Permanent
It is worth noting that the materials used for bonding do not last long. Additionally, the bonding material may chip and break off from the teeth. Due to these limitations, dental bonding is best for minor cosmetic changes and correction of teeth in areas of very minimal bite pressure.
However, dental bonding, on average, may last three to eight years. The length of service will depend on tooth location, your bite, eating, and chewing habits. Moreover, oral dental hygiene is essential to help bonding stay for longer.
4. Bonded Teeth Can Discolor
Bonding material tends to discolor over time. Red wine, tea, coffee, and cigarette smoke can stain the bonding. After dental front teeth bonding, avoid these substances for two days. They are likely to discolor the materials used. If you are a smoker, consult our dentist to recommend different cosmetic dentistry. Why is this so? The bonding material is porous, and it will yellow due to the cigarette smoke.
5. Dental bonding Does Not Need Special Instructions, but You Still Need to Have Proper Hygiene.
Your bonded teeth do not need special care. Just adhere to good oral hygiene practice such as:
- Brushing at least twice daily
- Flossing daily
- Rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash twice daily
- Avoiding hard food and candy
- Visiting our Scripps Ranch dentist for regular professional cleaning and checkups. At least twice per year
- Avoiding drinks likely to stain your bonded teeth such as wine, tea, and coffee
If you spot sharp edges on your bonded teeth, or if the tooth feels odd when you bite, contact a teeth bonding dentist near you.
Schedule an Appointment
Do you have discolored or chipped teeth, and you’re looking for a simple dental procedure to fix them? Visit Scripps Poway Dental Care for a dental bonding procedure.