Quality Bonding Time

Do you have a decayed, chipped or discolored tooth you’d like to fix, but don’t have the patience for veneers? There is another option for you: dental bonding.
What is dental bonding?
Bonding is the application of a tooth-colored plastic, which chemically and mechanically bonds to the tooth. Unlike veneers, bonding can be done in a single visit to your dentist office. It is one of the easiest and least expensive cosmetic dentistry procedures. The plastic, called composite resin, is shaped and polished to match the surrounding teeth. The procedure can be used to improve the appearance of a discolored or damaged tooth, close spaces between teeth, make teeth look longer or change the shape or color of teeth.
How does the procedure work?
You do not need to do anything to prepare for a dental bonding procedure. Unless the bonding is being used to fill a decayed tooth, anesthesia is generally not necessary.
When you go in to see your dentist for the bonding, he or she will use a shade guide to select the color that will best match the color of surrounding teeth. After choosing the appropriate color, the dentist will slightly etch the surface of the tooth to roughen it, then coat it lightly with a conditioning liquid that helps the composite resin adhere properly.
Once your tooth or teeth are prepared, your dentist will apply the resin, mold it and smooth it until it is the correct shape, then harden it with an ultraviolet laser. After the material hardens, final trimming, shaping and polishing will be performed so the bond blends in with the rest of your teeth.
The process usually takes between 30 minutes and an hour, and once complete, you should stay away from tea, coffee and any other teeth staining substances for at least 48 hours.
What are the risks?
The bonding material isn’t as strong as a natural tooth, so any habits such as chewing ice or biting fingernails should be avoided to prevent chipping. The bond should last several years before needing repair, depending on the extent of the work done and your oral health habits.
Art of Modern Dentistry offers in-office bonding for our patients. If you are interested in the procedure, schedule an appointment with us!
 
Courtesy of Colgate
http://www.colgate.com/app/CP/US/EN/OC/Information/Articles/Cosmetic-Dentistry/Bonding/Bonding-Basics/article/Bonding.cvsp