Several dental procedures are considered restorative and cosmetic. Dental bonding falls into both categories. Teeth bonding is a process that can restore damaged teeth and improve the overall esthetics of your smile. If your teeth have damage or do not look the way you want, learn more about the benefits of dental bonding to determine if it is the proper procedure for you.
What Is Teeth Bonding?
Teeth bonding, also known as dental bonding, is a process that involves bonding a new material to your teeth. For example, suppose you have a chipped or damaged tooth. In that case, your dentist will choose a material – typically porcelain or resin – and apply it to the damaged tooth. The material will fuse with your tooth and provide a repair that looks and feels natural. The dental bonding procedure can also improve the look of your smile. For example, teeth bonding is used to fill in unwanted gaps between your teeth in some cases. The doctor can complete the dental bonding procedure steps quickly – sometimes in as little as one visit – and require little to no downtime.
Types Of Dental Bonding
There are two types of dental bonding that dentists use. Adhesive bonding and direct composite bonding can both provide high-quality results. However, the dental bonding procedure steps vary between adhesive and direct composite bonding. Your dentist will work with you to determine which type of dental bonding is right for your situation.
Adhesive Bonding
A process that involves 'adhering' material to your tooth or teeth. The dental bonding procedures steps for adhesive bonding are a little more involved than direct composite bonding. For example, adhesive bonding includes a stage where the dentist applies an etching product to your tooth. The process of etching your tooth makes it easier for the restorative material to adhere. Once the etching is complete, the dentist applies a bonding agent and an adhesive to the tooth to prepare the restorative material. After the restorative material is applied, the dentist will solidify the adhesive and bonding material using a curing light. Adhesive bonding is a broad term used to describe the process of adhering to restorative materials in the form of inlays, onlays, porcelain veneers, fillings, and more.
Direct Composite Bonding
As the name suggests, direct composite bonding is more straightforward to apply restorative materials to your teeth. First, the dentist applies the composite resin material directly to your tooth and shapes it seamlessly with your natural tooth. Then, the composite material must be cured using a curing light to complete the process. Direct composite bonding is often used to treat cavities, repair chipped teeth, and close small gaps.
What Are The Benefits Of Teeth Bonding?
After you answer the question 'what is dental bonding?' the following question to ask is, 'what are the benefits of dental bonding?' Dental bonding is an excellent treatment option if you have damaged teeth or teeth that you want to change esthetically. A few of the most notable benefits of teeth bonding are that:
1. Teeth bonding is less invasive than other types of restorative dental procedures;
2. Dental bonding requires minimal prep time and is often completed in one visit;
3. Dental bonding cost is lower than other treatment options;
4. Dental bonding aftercare is simple.
Dental bonding is a dental procedure that can help you get the smile of your dreams without needing extensive prep work or requiring multiple visits to your dentist. In addition, teeth bonding is a more affordable and lower maintenance option than many other cosmetic and restorative dental procedures.
Teeth Bonding Procedure: Step by Step
The two types of dental bonding – adhesive and direct composite – have slightly different application processes. The first step for each type of bonding is for your dentist to assess the tooth. Once you and your dentist agree that bonding is the right option, your dentist will prep the tooth. Tooth preparation includes making sure the tooth is free from plaque and tartar in the area that will be bonded. For example, suppose the bonding is part of repairing a cavity. In that case, the dentist will remove the decaying matter before applying the composite resin. For adhesive bonding, part of the tooth preparation is to use an etching product and adhesive to improve the bonding of the restorative material.
Direct composite bonding products include the necessary agents for bonding in the composite material and minimizing extra steps. Once the tooth is thoroughly prepared, your dentist will apply the resin composite and cure it with a curing light. Here is a basic breakdown of the step by step teeth bonding procedure:
- Clean the tooth and surrounding area;
- Remove damaged part of tooth if necessary;
- Add etching material and adhesive (if applying an adhesive bond);
- Apply the bonding material;
- Cure the bonding material so that it fuses with the natural tooth.
An important question to consider before going through this procedure is, 'How long does dental bonding last?' You do not want to go through the entire process of getting dental bonding only to discover that it is a short-lived solution. The length of time the composite material will last and look good depends heavily on how well you care for your teeth. Keeping up with your routine dental appointments and maintaining a good oral care routine will extend the life of dental bonding. Dental bonding is made to last and continue looking good for several years. When it does start to show signs of wear, your dentist may be able to touch up the bonded area without replacing it entirely.
Teeth Bonding After Care
Teeth bonding aftercare is not complicated. Long-term, you will care for your teeth with restorative work the same way you care for your other teeth. Brush twice per day, floss at least once per day, and go to routine dental appointments twice per year. Immediately following the dental bonding procedure, your dentist will recommend that you avoid dark drinks, hard candy, and sticky food. After a few days to a week, the bonding will be more resistant to stains and damage. As with other types of dental work, it is essential to be careful about chewing on hard items like candy and ice.
Why Do You Need Tooth Bonding?
Dental bonding can be used for several common dental issues:
- Repair broken teeth – dental bonding can be used to repair teeth that are chipped or broken. Your dentist can use composite tooth-colored resin to match your natural tooth and replace the missing piece.
- Close spaces between teeth – unwanted spaces between teeth can often be addressed using dental bonding. This option can potentially help you get the smile you want without needing braces.
- Protect teeth – tooth bonding is regularly used to protect teeth against further decay. In addition, your dentist can use the process of bonding to repair your tooth after erosion and prevent more decay from occurring.
- Improve the appearance of teeth – dental bonding is one of the least expensive ways to improve your teeth' appearance drastically. Dental bonding can quickly transform broken and damaged teeth.
Teeth Bonding vs. Dental Crown
In the debate between dental bonding vs. crown, the winner is the one that works best for you. Dental bonding is applied to the surface of your natural tooth and fuses with your tooth's enamel. A dental crown is made of porcelain and designed to encapsulate your natural tooth completely. Dental bonding can be completed in as little as one office visit. Dental crowns require more time because a mold must be taken, and then the crown must be fabricated. When comparing pricing in the bonding vs. crown debate, you will find that teeth bonding is less expensive than dental crowns. It is always best to go with the least invasive treatment option that can get the job done. You and your dentist will work together to determine which treatment is best in your situation.
Teeth Bonding vs. Veneers
Dental bonding vs. veneers is another common debate. Dental veneers are bonded to your teeth, which can confuse people trying to consider teeth bonding vs. veneers. Teeth bonding can provide many of the same results as porcelain veneers. Dentists can use both options to fix the damage and improve the appearance of teeth. Porcelain veneers can also be used to cover deep discoloration to your teeth. Dental bonding can be completed more quickly than veneers, and it is less expensive.
How Much Is Teeth Bonding?
'How much does tooth bonding cost?' is critical to answer before deciding if this procedure is correct for you. There are a few factors that will impact the cost of dental bonding. For example, the number of teeth that need bonding, the area you live in, your dentist, your insurance coverage, and the type of bonding you choose affect the price. To get accurate pricing, you will have to work directly with your dentist and an insurance company. The good news is that teeth bonding is one of the least expensive ways to transform the look of your smile.
Teeth Bonding Before And After
There is nothing quite like a good before and after photo to see the real impact of restorative and cosmetic dentistry. So, take a look at some teeth bonding before and after photos to see what this procedure can potentially do for you.
Finding a Trusted Dentist
A general online search for 'dental bonding near me' or 'tooth bonding near me' will provide you with a wide array of results. To narrow the results and find what you are looking for, use a resource that specializes in connecting patients and dentists. For example, the 'Find a Dentist' tool from Smile Generation will help you search for a dentist who offers the services you are interested in receiving.