What is Bonding?
Bonding is a dental procedure that uses a special type of resin to repair or reshape your teeth. Our dentist at Dental Care of Lombard commonly uses bonding to fix chipped teeth; it’s also used in cosmetic dentistry. The process at Dental Care of Lombard is fast and painless so that you can get back to your normal activities the same day.
How Does Dental Bonding Work?
When you go in for tooth bonding, our dentist will select a composite resin that matches the color of your teeth. Then, the dentist prepares the tooth’s surface with gentle etching, which adds a rough texture that helps create a secure bond.
Once the tooth is ready, your dentist applies the color-matched resin and shapes the tooth. A special light hardens and bonds the resin. After a final round of trimming and polishing, the bonded area looks natural.
Dental bonding typically takes less than 60 minutes per tooth. The procedure doesn’t usually require anesthesia unless your dentist is removing decay or replacing fillings. If you’re anesthetized, you may need to avoid chewing hard foods and drinking hot beverages until the numbness wears off.
When Do Dentists Use Tooth Bonding?
Our dentist at Dental Care of Lombard uses tooth bonding to fix a variety of minor cosmetic and structural problems. For example, it’s a common repair for chipped teeth where the resin fills in the damaged area and restores the normal shape and function of the tooth. If you’re unhappy with the space between your teeth, our dentist may recommend bonding to reduce the gap.
Bonding is also used to:
- Fix cracked teeth
- Correct discolored teeth
- Reshape teeth
- Lengthen teeth
- Fill cavities left by decay
- Protect exposed roots of teeth
- Reduce tooth sensitivity
Caring for Bonded Teeth
Bonded teeth don’t require special care — simply brush and floss as usual, and visit your dentist for regular cleanings. However, the resin used in tooth bonding can be vulnerable to staining, so it’s important to practice good oral hygiene at all times. To further reduce the risk of discoloration, you might consider limiting the amount of red wine, coffee, and tea you drink. Also, avoid cigarettes and other tobacco products, which can leave yellow stains on the bonding resin and your natural teeth.
You can chew food normally with bonded teeth. However, your dentist may advise you not to use bonded teeth for potentially damaging activities, such as chewing ice or non-food items.
How Long Does Dental Bonding Last?
Dental bonding usually lasts for 3-10 years. The exact lifetime depends on various factors, including your chewing style, brushing habits, and oral health. If you notice a chip or a crack in the bonded areas, simply call us to schedule a repair or a replacement of your teeth bonding.
Benefits of Tooth Bonding
Bonding is a fast and effective way to fix damaged teeth or improve your smile. Since the process is gentle and non-invasive, you don’t need to worry about an extended recovery time. Bonding resin is strong and durable, so it improves the look of your teeth while maintaining their natural function. When budget is a concern, bonding can be an affordable alternative to treatments such as crowns and veneers.
Bonding is one possible solution: whether you have a chipped tooth or a wide gap between your front teeth. At Dental Care of Lombard, with a single appointment, you can fix many imperfections and achieve beautiful, stronger teeth.
