What is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding chapel hill treatment has becoming a popular cosmetic procedure used to fix cracks, chips, and irregular shaped teeth. The procedure involves permanently bonding material, either composite or an adhesive, to the teeth. Dental bonding is often used in combination with other treatments. The procedure can be completed fairly quick, often in a single dental visit. Below is more detailed information about the dental bonding procedure and the simple steps involved.
When is Dental Bonding Used?
Dental bonding is one of the quickest and lowest cost treatment approaches used to fix many different cosmetic dental issues. There are two types of dental bonding, including:
- Direct composite bonding: In direct composite bonding, a tooth-colored putty is applied directly to the teeth. Dentists can use composite bonding to fix the shape and appearance of a tooth to enhance the ovrall aesthetic of the teeth. Alternatively, the tooth-colored composite can be used to fill or shrink space between teeth. Another use for the composite, is to treat receding gums, where the composite is used to fill between the gum and the tooth root.
- Adhesive bonding: In adhesive bonding, an etchant, or bonding agent, is used to attach materials to your teeth. This procedure is used to secure veneers, bridges, and crowns.
The Steps of the Dental Bonding Procedure
The dental bonding procedure can be completed in one short visit to the dentist. Regardless of if the bonding is being used to fix a chipped tooth or to fill gaps between teeth, the procedure follows the same simple steps:
- The composite or etchant is prepared. For the composite, your dentist will make sure the color of the composite will match the natural tooth color.
- Once the bonding material is ready, the surface of the teeth must be prepared for the bonding. This preparation is usually done with a liquid coating agent to ensure the bonding material adheres to the teeth.
- Once the tooth is prepared the bonding materials will be applied. The time it takes to apply the bonding depends on the dentist and the purpose of the procedure. In general, the bonding treatment is usually a quick process, however the dentist may take their time to get the shape they desire. After the bonding is applied, a laser or ultraviolet light is used to harden the composite or the adhesive.
The entire dental bonding treatment usually takes approximately 30 minutes to an hour.
Post dental bonding treatment
Dental bonding treatment is not as strong as a natural tooth and after the treatment caution is important with chewing, eating, and flossing. Chewing hard materials such as candy or ice can cause the composite used in bonding to chip away. Daily flossing can also cause chipping if the edge of the bonding is caught or snagged. However, with proper care and caution, dental bonding can last several years without needing repair. Additionally, your dentist may warn you that tea, coffee, wine, or smoking can stain the composite and should be avoided for at least a few days after the procedure.
More on Dental Bonding : Dental Bonding Vs Veneers
High-Quality Dental Care
At Cornerstone Family Dentistry in Chapel Hill, all our services are performed with the patient in mind. We want you to feel comfortable in the dental chair, confident in our work, and most importantly, we want you to fall in love with your smile again. If you would like to schedule an appointment or if you have any questions about cosmetic procedures that we offer, please contact us at (919) 595-1010.