What Is Dental Bonding?

There are several dental options to repair and enhance a chipped tooth. One of the most popular cosmetic options is dental bonding. It is an affordable option for minor dental imperfections.

If you have a tooth that is chipped, cracked, decaying, or discolored, bonding could be the ideal solution to restore and enhance your smile and regain self-confidence.

Dental bonding is a cosmetic dental technique that fixes a cracked, chipped, or otherwise damaged tooth. Dental bonding can also be utilized to close gaps between teeth, improve discolorations, and even increase the length of a tooth. The dental bonding restores your teeth using composite resin.

The Dental Bonding Procedure

Tooth bonding is a process that usually involves a single one-hour or less appointment. Dr. Perrone will use a resin made of composite plastic to repair and enhance the damaged tooth. This material is ideal for molding and will result in a restored tooth that seamlessly blends in with the rest of your smile. The dental bonding process includes:

Selecting a Shade To Match Your Smile

Dr. Perrone will use a shade chart to choose a composite resin that mirrors the appearance of your natural teeth.

Preparing Your Teeth

Following the removal of tooth decay. Your tooth’s surface is roughened with a conditioning agent. This will aid in the adhesion to the tooth of the dental resin.

Application of the Composite Resin 

The putty-like resin substance is applied, shaped, sculpted, and smoothed into the shape and size to match your existing smile.

Curing the Composite Resin

The composite resin is then bonded to the tooth’s surface and cured using a specialized light.

Polishing the tooth

Finally, Dr. Perrone will polish the tooth to a natural sheen.

The bonding process typically takes anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes to complete. It can require several dental visits if you need multiple teeth restored. You can resume your usual activities immediately because most dental bonding treatments will not require anesthesia.

The Benefits of Dental Bonding

Patients frequently choose tooth bonding because treatment is quick, painless, and affordable. Minor flaws in a smile, such as a single broken tooth or a space between teeth, can be restored in just one visit.

Bonding is a less expensive cosmetic procedure compared to dental implants or veneers. 

The longevity of dental bonding ranges from 5 to 10 years, with good oral hygiene maintenance. 

What are the Drawbacks of this Procedure?

Dental bonding is a good option for most patients, but it is not suitable for everyone. The major concern with dental bonding is the likelihood of breakage.

Following teeth bonding, patients should refrain from biting their fingernails, chewing ice, and biting into hard candies because this could cause the bond to break.

Another drawback is that the composite resin is prone to staining over time. If you smoke heavily or regularly consume wine or coffee, the bonded tooth is much more likely to become discolored. 

Are there Any Risks Involved in Dental Bonding?

Dental bonding is a quick, easy, and safe procedure. There is no risk involved in dental bonding.

The Best Ways to Care for Your Bonded Tooth After the Procedure

Please stop chewing on pens or ice cubes. It is important to remember that composite resin used in dentistry is less stain-resistant than enamel. If you smoke and consume large amounts of coffee or red wine or both, you run a higher risk of developing staining.

Composite resin cannot be whitened. You can whiten your teeth with the bonded material present. However, whitening solutions will not affect the composite resin.

Are You a Good Candidate For this Procedure?

The ideal candidates for dental bonding are people with teeth that have minor damage from tooth decay or trauma.

If you have lost your tooth (or a portion of your tooth) or are significantly damaged, a dental implant or crown could be the better long-term option for your smile. Dental implants, consisting of a porcelain crown and an implant, completely replace your tooth and the root.

Patients satisfied with their teeth’ color are the ideal candidates for dental bonding. If you are unhappy with the color of your smile, you should have them whitened before the dental bonding procedure.

How To Make Dental Bonding Last?

Below is a short list of ways to take care of the bonded teeth so that you can maximize your bonding lifespan:

• Maintain good dental hygiene. 
• Avoid hard foods and chewing ice. 
• Avoid clenching or grinding your teeth. 
• Avoid putting sharp things in your mouth.
• Use a sports mouthguard when playing sports.
• Rinse with water following consuming acidic foods.
• Use a nightguard to prevent damage caused by teeth grinding while sleeping.

Dental Bonding FAQS

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions on dental bonding procedures:

Is Dental Bonding Safe for Teeth?

Dental bonding generally poses no threats to a patient’s dental health. It’s completely safe if your gums and teeth are in good condition.

Dental bonding might not be the best option for you when you suffer from severe dental decay, gingivitis, or other serious disorders affecting your dental health.

Does Dental Bonding Hurt?

Tooth bonding usually is painless since your dentist will not work near the nerves that sense pain in the tooth. Dental bonding typically doesn’t even require an anesthetic. Some patients could feel mild sensitivity following their tooth bonding procedure. This sensation can be reduced using over-the-counter pain relievers.

How Long Does It Take to Recover After Dental Bonding?

No downtime is necessary for tooth bonding. You can resume all routine activities immediately after your appointment.

Why Consider Dental Bonding, Even for a Minor Chip?

While many individuals focus on their smiles the most, repairing chips and fractures is essential for dental health. Restoring broken teeth promotes healthy chewing and stops further harm that can even jeopardize the health of the neighboring teeth.

Do Teeth Require Special Maintenance After Tooth Bonding?

No. Maintain good oral hygiene. You should floss a minimum of once per day, brush your teeth twice daily, and visit the dentist for regular checkups and professional cleanings.

When Is Tooth Bonding Recommended?

You can enhance the appearance of your smile using dental bonding. Composite resin is tooth-colored and utilized throughout the treatment to:

• Conceal any tooth cracks or chips
• To cover up dental stains
• Fill in any spaces and gaps between the teeth
• Increase the length of your teeth
• Change the appearance of the teeth.

When Should I Schedule a Dental Appointment?

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Perrone if you are experiencing any issues with the appearance of your teeth, such as chips, cracks, discoloration, or other problems. You can discuss your cosmetic objectives and a treatment plan can be created specifically tailored to your smile.

Find a Dental Bonding Specialist Near Me

If your teeth are chipped, fractured, or cracked, dental bonding can help to restore them and prevent additional damage. Marielaina Perrone DDS uses dental bonding to restore patients’ natural teeth that have suffered minor to moderate damage. Please make an appointment with us now to learn more about dental bonding. Call us at 702-458-2929.