What is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding is a cosmetic procedure in which we repair a tooth by applying a composite resin material to the tooth enamel which builds the structure of the tooth back up. Teeth that have been chipped, cracked, are severely discolored, uneven in size or shape, or spaced far apart can all benefit from dental bonding.
If you have severely discolored or damaged teeth, dental bonding is a much more affordable cosmetic alternative to veneers. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Beth Hanks in Cincinnati, contact us at All Smiles Dental Studio today.
Fix Cracked, Chipped, & Discolored Teeth
During the dental bonding process, Dr. Hanks applies a composite resin directly to your tooth that matches the natural shade of your smile, covering up minor stains or discolorations. Your dentist will then correct the shape of your tooth by carefully shaping and sculpting the resin to restore the look of your smile and its function. This is a non-invasive process that only takes 30-60 minutes for each tooth.
Also known as enameloplasty, dental shaping & contouring is a cosmetic process that is often used alongside bonding. To shape and contour, a thin layer of enamel is removed from uneven, chipped, or pointy teeth before applying the dental resin, ensuring you achieve your desired shape and appearance.
No Sedation Required
Sedation is often unnecessary for dental bonding patients. Exceptions include cases in which bonding is being done in tandem with a filling, or if the chip being addressed is located near the nerve. Sedation may be recommended as well if the tooth needs to be drilled or otherwise reshaped.
Long-Lasting Results
Although it is not a permanent solution, dental bonding can provide you with anywhere from 3 to 10 years of beautiful smiles before needing to be touched up or replaced. Practicing good oral hygiene and avoiding hard, sticky, or staining foods can help prolong the life of your dental bonding.
Composite resin is a material that is also used for dental fillings but in this case, instead of filling up the inside of the tooth, it is applied to the outer front layer of the tooth and hardened with UV light. Dental bonding can change the appearance, structure, and function of a tooth for the better.
Dental bonding can fix a cracked tooth by covering up gaps in the surface of the tooth, but dental bonding is not permanent. This is because the material used to cover up dental imperfections is only temporary and will need to be touched up or replaced within 3-10 years depending on wear and tear.
The best way to get the most years out of your bonded teeth is to take care of your overall oral health and to be very careful with your teeth. Do not use your teeth as tools and wear a mouthguard at night if you grind your teeth. Preventing chips or cracks in the bonded teeth will extend the longevity of the procedure.
You should also avoid chewing very hard or chewy foods that can wear down or pull out the bonding. In addition to avoiding damage to your tooth bonding, you should be wary of staining and discoloration.
Your bonded teeth can become stained just like your natural teeth, especially if you frequently drink coffee, tea, red wine, or smoke. Avoid staining foods and drinks entirely or only consume in moderation to keep your teeth looking pearly white.
Tooth bonding is a completely painless procedure that takes about 30-60 minutes per tooth. The procedure is straightforward and usually does not require any local anesthesia. We begin by roughing up the surface of your tooth and then apply a conditioning liquid which helps facilitate bonding.
Then, the composite resin material is applied to your tooth and shaped and molded into the desired appearance. Once everything looks just right, we will harden the composite resin with UV light. The reason dental bonding is not a painful procedure is that we are working exclusively on the outer surface of your tooth, which does not contain any nerve endings and typically is not prone to any sensitivity.
However, if you have very sensitive teeth or the bonding is being performed closer to the tooth’s root, you could feel some pain and discomfort. In this case, we may offer you a topical anesthetic to make you feel more comfortable. In the vast majority of cases, no anesthesia will be required and the procedure is completely painless.
How it works: The Veneer Placement Process
Preparation
To prepare the tooth, Dr. Hanks will roughen its surface and apply a conditioning liquid in order to help the bonding material adhere to the tooth.
Bonding
Dr. Hanks will choose a composite resin that matches your smile and apply it to your tooth before shaping and molding it into the desired appearance.
Finishing Touches
Once everything looks just right, we will harden the composite resin with UV light, and you’ll be all set to show off your new smile.
