Dental bonding is a procedure that our dentist, Dr. Scott Steedman, can perform in which a tooth-colored resin material (a durable plastic material) is applied and hardened with a special light. Ultimately, this “bonds” the material to the tooth which restores or improves the person’s smile.
For What Conditions Is Dental Bonding Considered?
Dental bonding is an option that can be considered:
- To repair decayed teeth (composite resins are used to fill cavities)
- To repair chipped or cracked teeth
- To improve the appearance of discolored teeth
- To close spaces between teeth
- To make teeth look longer
- To change the shape of teeth
- As a cosmetic alternative to amalgam fillings
- To protect a portion of the tooth’s root that has been exposed when gums recede
What’s the Procedure for Having a Tooth Bonded?
- Preparation. Little advance preparation is needed for dental bonding. Anesthesia is often not necessary unless the bonding is being used to fill a decayed tooth. 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. Next, 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, putty-like 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.
- Time-to-completion. Dental bonding takes about 30 to 60 minutes per tooth to complete.
What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Dental Bonding?
- Advantages: Dental bonding is among the easiest and least expensive of cosmetic dental procedures. Unlike veneers and crowns, which are customized tooth coverings that must be manufactured in a laboratory, bonding usually can be done in one visit at Smiles By Steedman in Lake Stevens (two appointments if several teeth are involved). Another advantage can be seen when you compare bonding to veneers and crowns – bonding removes the least amount of tooth enamel. Also, unless dental bonding is being performed to fill a cavity, anesthesia is usually not required.
- Disadvantages: Although the material used in dental bonding is somewhat stain resistant, it does not resist stains as well as crowns. Another disadvantage is that the bonding materials do not last as long nor are as strong as other restorative procedures, such as crowns, veneers or fillings. Additionally, bonding materials can chip or break off of the tooth.
Because of some of the limitations of dental bonding, some dentists view it as best suited for small cosmetic changes, for temporary correction of cosmetic defects and for correction of teeth in areas of very low bite pressure (for example, front teeth). Consult with our dental team at Smiles By Steedman about the best cosmetic approach for your particular problem. We look forward to helping you achieve a more uniform and healthier smile through dental bonding in Lake Stevens, Washington. Please call us at 425-334-4087 for more information.