Dental Bonding
If you've been dealing with a small chip, crack, or gap in your teeth, dental bonding is a standard treatment that addresses these concerns.
About Dental Bonding
A dentist applies a tooth-colored composite resin directly to the affected tooth to repair it. Once hardened, the resin has a natural-looking finish that blends in with surrounding teeth. Compared to other cosmetic and preventative dentistry procedures, dental bonding is quick (typically completed in one visit) and causes minimal to no discomfort.
Dental Bonding Treatment
A dentist lightly roughens the tooth's surface, then applies a bonding agent to help the resin stick. The dentist sculpts the resin to repair the affected area, then uses a curing light to harden it. The last step is polishing the tooth for a smooth finish that blends naturally with the surrounding teeth.
Long-Lasting
When a patient brushes their teeth, flosses, and avoids hard foods like nuts and ice cubes, their dental bond can last up to 10 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does dental bonding last?
Generally, dental bonding lasts three to 10 years. Good oral hygiene habits—like brushing twice a day, avoiding hard foods, and wearing a mouthguard during impact sports—could help the treatment last longer.
Location of the affected area also matters. If cosmetic bonding is on the front teeth, the bond may wear more when biting down, making replacement necessary sooner.
Is dental bonding better than veneers?
When it comes to bonding vs. veneers, there are different considerations. Typically, bonding is best for minor repairs, like small chips and gaps. Veneers are better for issues such as larger chips, misalignment, and significant discoloration. Bonding has a lower upfront cost than veneers, though it is less durable.
If you choose porcelain veneers, the process will take several visits. A dentist can complete the dental bonding procedure in one visit. All types of veneers also require some permanent enamel removal, while bonding does not.
Can bonding fix a chipped tooth?
Yes, bonding is a great cosmetic dentistry option for chipped tooth repair. A dentist starts by cleaning the tooth and, if needed, lightly roughening its surface. Then, they will apply composite resin to the area of the chip and cure it with ultraviolet light. The last step is to polish the area to make it smooth and blend with the rest of the tooth.
How should I care for bonded teeth?
Caring for bonded teeth is generally very similar to typical oral hygiene routines. Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time with a soft-bristle toothbrush and floss at least once daily. Use a non-abrasive toothpaste with fluoride.
Also, try to avoid eating hard or sticky foods that could chip the bonding materials. Eating ice, hard candy, or crusty bread could cause a problem. If you're playing a contact sport, wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth. Wearing one at night is a good idea if you're prone to grinding your teeth while sleeping.
