Types of Dental Bonding

There are two main types of dental bonding. In direct composite bonding, dentists use a white or naturally tooth-colored material to repair a number of dental issues. Direct composite bonding involves applying a composite material directly to the tooth in order to correct a number of cosmetic dentistry and dental health issues. Adhesive dental bonding is the type used to adhere a dental restoration such as a dental veneer, dental crown, bridge, or dental inlay/onlay to permanently attach the restoration to your teeth.

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What Dental Issues Can Bonding Remedy?

Dental bonding is used to repair a number of dental issues, including:

• Restoring discolored teeth
  
• Repairing chipped, cracked, or broken teeth
  
• Lessen or close an unusual gap between teeth
  
• Filling cavities
  
• Building up teeth that have become worn down
  
• Improve the look of misshapen teeth
  

Dental bonding can also be used to protect a tooth root that has become exposed due to tooth decay or receding gums. Bonding is an excellent alternative to a number of more complicated or costly cosmetic dentistry treatments.

One of the main benefits of dental bonding is that it can usually be completed in a single visit. There is no need for your dentist to take impressions and send them away to a lab; dental bonding is done right in your dentist's office. There is no need to wait weeks for a laboratory restoration, and you will usually not have to wear a temporary restoration. Dental restorations are made from a naturally tooth-colored resin, making it an excellent choice for patients who want to achieve a more beautiful looking smile in only a single visit.

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How Long Does Dental Bonding Take?

Dental bonding usually only takes around 30 to 60 minutes per tooth. Your dentist will first clean and then slightly roughen the surface of your tooth before applying a special conditioning liquid. Unlike other cosmetic dentistry treatments, dental bonding only requires a miniscule amount of your tooth's surface to be removed. Once the conditioning liquid has been applied, you dentist will shape and apply the dental resin to your tooth, and a special ultraviolet light will be used to quickly harden the material. Once the resin has hardened, your dentist will trim away any excess and further shape the resin as needed. After the desired shape is applied, the resin will be polished to look more natural.

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How Long Does It Last?

When cared for properly, dental bonding usually lasts between three and 10 years. You will need to maintain careful oral hygiene practices and maintain a bi-annual schedule of visits to your dentist's office. These exams will allow your dentist to check for damage and make any touch ups or repairs that may be necessary.

If you have misshapen, misaligned, cracked, or chipped teeth and would like to know if you would be a good candidate for dental bonding, call our office today at 310-378-9241. Our caring and professional staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have, and we look forward to helping you achieve your best and brightest smile. Don't deal with the embarrassment of cosmetic dentistry issues any longer; call our office today and let us help you achieve a smile that you will be proud to show off to the world.

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