A non-invasive procedure, dental bonding is used to repair minor problems with teeth as well as to disguise their cosmetic flaws. It is a safe, relatively painless, and fast alternative to veneers. Dental bonding can be used to eliminate gaps in between the front teeth, repair minor cracks, restore the shape of a chipped tooth, or change the colour of a tooth to a more pleasing shade. This is a restorative procedure that offers cosmetic benefits.
Using a tooth-coloured composite resin, dental bonding reshapes the tooth to the desired appearance as chosen by the patient and dentist. The goal is to repair the tooth, while creating a natural appearance for it.
The resin is applied directly to the tooth through a process in which the surface of the tooth is first gently etched and then covered with a bonding liquid. As soon as this liquid sets, the dentist applies a plastic resin, which he then sculpts into the desired shape.
The resin is hardened using a specialized light, which has been designed for this purpose. Once the resin has fully set, the dentist trims away any excess. Next, he smooths and polishes the resin until the tooth looks completely natural in appearance.
Dental bonding is a simple procedure, and it is accomplished in a single visit to the dentist. Since the resin is made from plastic, dental bonding is a temporary repair that will need to be replaced every three to five years, depending on the wear-and-tear it goes through each year. Unfortunately, plastic resin is not as durable as other materials, including tooth enamel. Therefore, it is possible for the resin to chip or break. It is also likely that the resin will undergo staining, particularly if the patient drinks certain types of beverages, including coffee, red wine, and tea. Smoking is also likely to cause staining.
