COMPOSITE VENEERS - RESIN VENEERS - DENTAL VENEERS
Dental Bonding and Composite Veneers
Dental Bonding is a conservative way to repair slightly chipped, discoloured, or crooked teeth. During dental bonding, a white filling is placed onto your tooth to improve its appearance. The filling “bonds” with your tooth, and because it comes in a variety of tooth-coloured shades, it closely matches the appearance of your natural teeth. Tooth bonding can also be used for tooth fillings instead of silver amalgam. Many patients prefer bonded fillings because the white color is much less noticeable than silver.
Dental Bonded fillings can be used on front or back teeth, depending on the location and extent of tooth decay. Dental Bonding is less expensive than other cosmetic treatments and can usually be completed in one visit to our office. However, dental bonding can stain and is easier to break than other cosmetic treatments, such as porcelain veneers. If it does break or chip, tell your doctor. The dental bonding can generally be easily patched or repaired in one visit.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Tooth bonding is simpler than other cosmetic dental procedures. So simple that this procedure doesn’t typically require anesthesia — unless you’re filling a cavity — and it doesn’t require multiple visits to the dentist.
To start the process, your dentist uses a shade guide to choose a composite resin color that closely matches the color of your natural teeth. Your dentist roughens the surface of the tooth, and then applies a liquid that allows the tooth bonding agent to stick to the tooth.
Your dentist applies the composite resin over the liquid, molds or shapes the tooth, and then hardens the material with an ultraviolet light.
If necessary, your dentist can further shape the tooth after the resin hardens.
Tooth bonding can fix a defect or imperfection within a tooth. Some people use bonding to repair a decayed, cracked, or discolored tooth. This procedure can also close small gaps in between teeth.
Tooth bonding can also increase the size of a tooth. For example, maybe you have a tooth that’s shorter than the rest, and you want them all to be the same length.
Bonding is a fast procedure and doesn’t require any down time. If you don’t need anesthesia, you can continue with your normal daily routine after the procedure.
Typically, tooth bonding takes between 30 to 60 minutes. Some appointments may run longer depending on the extent of the procedure.
Dental bonding doesn’t have any major risks or complications.
Keep in mind that the composite resin used with this procedure isn’t as strong as your natural teeth, in fact nothing is!
It’s possible for the material to chip or separate from your real tooth. Chipping or breaking, however, doesn’t occur as often with a crown, veneer, or filling.
A bonded tooth might chip if you eat ice, chew on pens or pencils, bite your fingernails, or bite down on hard food or candy.
The resin also isn’t as stain-resistant as other dental materials. You may develop some discoloration if you smoke or drink a lot of coffee.
Tooth bonding doesn’t require special preparation. But you’ll need to consult your dentist to see if you’re a candidate for this procedure. Generally a thorough scale and clean is advised in order to have a clean surface to bond to.
Bonding might not work if you have severe tooth damage or decay. You may need a veneer or crown instead.
Taking care of your teeth helps extend the life of a bonded tooth. Self-care tips include:
- brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily
- avoiding hard food and candy
- not biting your nails
- avoiding coffee, tea, and tobacco for the first two days after the procedure to avoid stains
- scheduling regular dental cleanings every six months
See a dentist if you accidentally chip or break the bonding material, or if you feel any sharp or rough edges after the procedure.
The Takeaway
A healthy smile is a confidence booster. If you have discoloration, a chipped tooth, or a gap and you’re looking for an inexpensive repair, see your dentist for a consultation.
Your dentist can determine whether this procedure is right for you, and if not, recommend other options to improve the appearance of your teeth.
