Dental Bonding

Teeth bonding can do the following:

• Repair decayed teeth
• Fill cavities
• Treat minor injuries
• Repair chipped or cracked teeth
• Improve the appearance of discolored teeth
• Close spaces between the teeth
• Make teeth look longer
• Change the shape of teeth
• Cosmetically replace amalgam fillings
• Protect the tooth's root (exposed due to receding of gums)

Teeth bonding typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes per tooth to complete.

Preparation

• Little or no preparation is required for dental bonding.
• The dentist chooses a composite resin color that closely matches the color of your tooth using a shade guide.

Procedure

• The surface of the tooth is roughened, and a conditioning liquid is applied so that the bonding material adheres to the tooth.
• The tooth-colored, putty-like resin is applied, molded, and smoothened to give it the desired shape.
• Then, the material is hardened using a bright light or laser, which bonds the material to the surface of your tooth.
• After the material hardens, the dentist may trim, shape, and polish it to match the sheen of the rest of the tooth surface.

Post-procedure

• You can resume all normal activities immediately after the procedure.
• Follow good and hygienic oral habits.
• You might need touchups every 3 to 10 years.

Though the lifespan of bonding materials for the teeth depends on certain factors, such as the extent of bonding and oral habits. However, bonding on the front teeth can last between 3 to 10 years.

It is a safe, painless, long-lasting, and simple outpatient procedure with no adverse risks for most people.

Some of the advantages of teeth bonding are:

• A safe and easy procedure
• A fast and convenient process for cosmetic imperfections
• Least expensive of other cosmetic dental procedures
• Can be done in one outpatient setting (unless several teeth are involved)
• An in-office process (unlike other customized tooth coverings, such as veneers and crowns)
• Necessitates the least amount of tooth enamel removal
• Minimally invasive
• No need for anesthesia (unless done to fill a dental cavity)
• A completely reversible process (unlike other cosmetic dental treatments)

Some of the disadvantages of teeth bonding are:

• Does not resist stains (until replaced)
• Does not last as long or as strong as crowns or veneers
• The bonding material may chip and break off of the tooth

Follow good oral hygiene practices, such as:

• Avoid habits, such as biting fingernails; chewing on pens, ice, or other hard consumable objects, or using bonded teeth to tear or open cans
• Brush your teeth at least two times a day
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste containing fluoride
• Floss at least one time a day
• Rinse the mouth using an antiseptic mouthwash at least one or two times a day
• Avoid or limit smoking or drinking dark beverages, such as coffee or red wine, which may stain the bonding material more quickly
• Consult your dentist regularly for professional checkups and cleanings