What Is Tooth Bonding?
Dental bonding is made from a malleable material that is applied directly to the surface of the tooth. In some cases, a minimal amount of tooth structure is gently removed to create space for the bonding material. The bonding is color matched to blend seamlessly with your adjacent teeth for a natural looking result.
What Can Tooth Bonding Be Used To Treat?
- Close gaps between teeth
- Realign a crooked tooth
- Reshape a mishappen tooth
- Whiten a discolored tooth
- Repair minor cracks or chips
What Is The Tooth Bonding Process?
- Preparation
- Little advance preparation is needed for dental bonding. Anesthesia is often not necessary unless the bonding is being used to fill a decayed tooth, the tooth needs to be drilled to change its shape, or the chip is near the nerve. Your dentist will use a shade guide to select a composite resin color that will closely match the color of your tooth.
- The bonding process.
- Next, the surface of the tooth will be roughened and a conditioning liquid applied. These procedures help the bonding material adhere to the tooth. The tooth-colored, putty-like resin is then applied, molded, and smoothed to the desired shape. A bright, usually blue, light or laser is then used to harden the material. After the material is hardened, your dentist will further trim and shape it and polish it to match the sheen of the rest of the tooth surface.
- Time-to-completion.
- Dental bonding takes about 30 to 60 minutes per tooth to complete.
What Are The Benefits of Tooth Bonding?
Dental bonding is among the easiest and least expensive cosmetic dental procedures. Unlike veneers and crowns, which are customized tooth coverings that must be manufactured in a lab, bonding usually can be done in one office visit unless several teeth are involved. Another advantage, compared with veneers and crowns, is that the least amount of tooth enamel is removed. Also, unless dental bonding is being performed to fill a cavity, anesthesia is usually not required.
Schedule An Appointment
Dr. Cheung is committed to educating each patient about their treatment options and providing an environment where they can feel relaxed and confident in the care they receive. To schedule an appointment at Sudbury Dental Arts in Sudbury, MA, call (978) 218-2580 or schedule an appointment online.
