Dental Bonding

Before	After
Before	After
Before	After

Dental bonding is a procedure in which a tooth-colored resin material (a durable plastic material) is applied and hardened with a special light, which ultimately "bonds" the material to the tooth to restore or improve person's smile.

Benefits of Dental Bonding

• Repairs decayed teeth (composite resins are used to fill cavities)
• Repairs small chipped or cracked teeth
• Improves the appearance of discolored teeth
• Closes minor gaps and spaces between teeth
• Makes teeth look longer
• changes the color and shape of teeth
• Lightens stains
• Corrects mild crooked teeth to a certain degree
• A cosmetic alternative to amalgam fillings
• Protects a portion of the tooth's root that has been exposed when gums recede

Procedure for Dental Bonding

• Preparation. Little advance preparation is needed for dental bonding. Your dentist will use a shade guide to select a composite resin color that will closely match the color of your tooth.
• The bonding process. The surface of the tooth will be roughened and a conditioning liquid applied. These procedures help the bonding material adhere to the tooth. The tooth-colored, resin is then applied, molded and smoothed to the desired shape. An ultraviolet light or laser is then used to harden the material. After the material is hardened, your dentist will further trim and shape it, and polish it to match the sheen of the rest of the tooth surface.

Recovery Expectations

Since bonding does not result in the removal of any tooth structure, there should be little or no sensitivity.

Before

After

Care for Dental Bonding

Simply follow good oral hygiene practices. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss at least once a day and see your dentist for regular professional check-ups and cleanings.

Because bonding material can chip, it is important to avoid such habits as biting fingernails; chewing on pens, ice or other hard food objects; or using your bonded teeth as an opener. If you do notice any sharp edges on a bonded tooth or if your tooth feels odd when you bite down, call your dentist.