For what conditions is dental bonding considered?

This option of Dental bonding can be considered:

• Repair against decayed teeth (composite resins are used to fill cavities)
• Repair against chipped or cracked teeth
• Improve the appearance of teeth that are discoloured
• Close spaces between teeth
• To make teeth look longer
• Change the shape of teeth
• An option with a cosmetic alternative to amalgam fillings
• Protection of a portion of the tooth’s root that has been exposed when gums recede

How it’s done?

The dentist will choose a colour, closest to the tooth, which will match the tooth.

After the dentist has chosen the colour, the dentist will slightly abrade or etch the surface of the tooth to roughen it. Then the tooth will be coated lightly with a conditioning liquid,that will help the bonding material adhere to the colour of the tooth.

After the tooth is prepare, the dentist will apply the tooth-coloured, putty-like resin, which is moulded and smoothen until the it takes the proper shape, and then the material is hardened with an ultraviolet light and laser.

After the bonding is done the material then hardens, and your dentist will further trim it to shape. The dentist will then polish the material, so that it matches the sheen of the tooth surface. It usually takes up to30 minutes to an hour to complete the procedure, and if you have that more than one tooth done, then you would need to visit the dentist a couple of times.

How to care after the procedure?

After you have completed the treatment of dental bonding, the dentist will advise you to abstain from tea, coffee, smoking, and other tobacco substances, which can stain the resin. To prevent and minimise the stains , it is essential to avoid eating or drinking foods that can stain the resin,so at least for the first 48 hrs try to refrain from these types of food and drink.

Maintain oral hygiene, and brush your teeth often and have them cleaned regularly by a dental hygienist.

What are the advantages and aisadvantages of dental bonding?

Advantages & disadvantages

• Advantages: It is the easiest and less expensive than cosmetic dental procedures. Unlike other cosmetic options which are custom made to suit the tooth coverings, that are manufactured in the lab, bonding is usually that can be done in one office visit,unless other teeth are involved. The other advantage compared to cosmetic options , the least amount of tooth enamel is removed, and also unless dental bonding is required to fill a cavity, in that case anaesthesia is not required.
• Disadvantages: Although this procedure is used to resit stains, it does not do 100%of the job than that when using a crown, There is another disadvantage is that bonding materials do not last as long , or even they are not strong as other restorative procedures, such as crowns, veneers or other fillings. However , bonding materials can chip and break off the tooth.

How long does bonding material last?

It depends on the lifespan and how much bonding was done and also depending on the oral habits, however bonding material lasts for about 3 years up to about 10 years before needing to be touched up or replaced.