Bonding refers to using a resin, which is a type of very durable plastic that matches the color of your teeth to restore the look of your smile. This can be performed for a variety of reasons depending on the patient’s needs. An emergency dentist can use tooth-colored resin to fill in cavities or make repairs to a tooth that was cracked or chipped.
Cosmetic dentists can also bond teeth to improve the shape, close gaps between the teeth, repair teeth that have decayed, alter the color of teeth or as a replacement for traditional amalgam fillings. Bonding has become increasingly popular in recent years, which has led to more offices carrying these products.
The Process
Bonding the teeth usually takes around 30-60 minutes per tooth. To begin, the dentist will roughen the surface of the tooth so the resin will grip more easily. A conditioning liquid will also be applied to help hold the resin in place.
Then the resin will be applied and molded into the desired shape, which includes smoothing down any edges. The resin is then exposed to a laser or UV light to make it harden. If necessary your dentist will trim the tooth down further and polish it once it has hardened, to ensure a high quality look.
Top Things to Remember
Your dentist office will provide a list of tips for those that are planning on having their teeth bonded, to ensure that the process goes well.
- Unless a tooth is being bonded to repair an area that has decayed, you should not require anesthesia for the procedure. If you do, your dentist will tell you what you do to minimize side effects.
- Older forms of resin may stain or wear over time. Your dentist will also provide you with a list of instructions for brushing that you should follow to avoid this.
You will likely need to come in for an appointment before you have your teeth bonded. This will allow your doctor to determine how many teeth need to be bonded and the right color of your enamel so that the bonding will blend in with your natural teeth.
Why Us
Our office has years of experience bonding teeth so you know you will get a high quality experience.
- Our staff can carefully mold the resin to create a tooth that is indistinguishable from the rest of your smile.
- As an emergency dentist, we can provide you with a bonding procedure quickly to minimize damage.
Our dentist ratings place us among the best in the area for bonding procedures, both for cosmetic and repair options. Having a bonding procedure done properly can make a significant difference in your overall dental health. Call our office today to learn more.
