Why Dental Bonding Is a Popular Cosmetic Option.

Dental bonding is a non-invasive procedure that can enhance your smile quickly. It’s also one of the least expensive cosmetic dentistry options.

Tooth bonding is a popular cosmetic procedure because it can fix many minor dental imperfections, including:

• Cracked or chipped teeth.
• Stained or yellowed teeth.
• Gaps between teeth.
• Misshapen teeth.

Dental bonding produces instant results, with a tooth-coloured composite resin being bonded directly to the surface of a tooth to mask irregularities.

The Tooth Bonding Procedure

Tooth bonding entails attaching dental composite resin to a tooth and shaping it to restore or enhance the tooth’s original appearance. The colour of the resin is matched to your teeth, so appears natural.

Dental bonding can usually be done during one visit to your dentist, with a procedure that takes about 30 minutes per tooth and involves:

Minimal Preparation

Anaesthesia is usually unnecessary for tooth bonding unless you’re having a decayed tooth filled. Your dentist will use a shade guide to choose a composite resin shade to closely match the colour of the tooth.

The Bonding Process

Your dentist will:

• Clean the surface of the tooth and apply a conditioning liquid. This will help the bonding material adhere to the tooth.
• Apply the putty-like resin, and mould and smooth it to the desired shape.
• Use an ultraviolet light to harden the material.
• Trim and polish the hardened composite to match the rest of the tooth surface.

Looking After Bonded Teeth

Bonded teeth don’t require special care, and composite bonds can last for years and easily be repaired in the event of damage.

However, it’s important to bear in mind that habits like biting your fingernails or chewing on pens or ice can chip the bonding material, and you should continue to:

• Floss once a day
• Brush at least twice a day.
• Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and professional cleanings.

Be aware, too, that bonding materials will stain faster if you smoke and/or drink a lot of tea, coffee, dark-coloured foods, or red wine. Acidic foods and drinks will also eat away at bonding material as well as tooth enamel.

Pros and Cons of Dental Bonding

Typically costing approximately a few hundred pounds per tooth, dental bonding is less expensive – and less invasive – than treatments such as veneers or crowns, and it’s more tooth enamel friendly.

Tooth bonding is a fast and effective way to fix minor cosmetic dental issues with a straightforward procedure.

Other advantages of dental bonding include:

• Convenience – typically just one dental appointment.
• Self-esteem – your bonded tooth or teeth will allow you to smile with confidence.

On the downside, composite bonding materials are not as strong as crowns or veneers, and will need maintenance.

Is Tooth Bonding Safe?

Infection from dental bonding is extremely unlikely. Before the bonding material is placed, your dentist will ensure any existing infection, decay or food debris is removed and the tooth sterilised.

Dental bonding material may in rare cases produce an allergic reaction in individuals highly sensitive to epoxy resin, but symptoms tend to clear up on their own without medical intervention after a few days.

Dental bonding also has a low risk of other side effects, although you might get some minor discomfort for a few days, such as sensitivity to hot or cold foods and drinks.

How Long Does Tooth Bonding Last?

The average lifespan of composite bonding material is three to ten years before needing adjustments or replacement.

How long your tooth bonding will last largely depends on which area of the tooth is treated and how well you care for it. If the bonding is on the extremity of a tooth, it will be more affected by biting pressure, especially if you like hard, crunchy or chewy foods.

Is Dental Bonding Right for You?

Tooth bonding is primarily an aesthetic treatment for teeth that are basically healthy and in areas of low bite pressure, like your front teeth.

It’s a versatile cosmetic dental option that can be used to address a range of issues, and you can walk in your dental practice with unsightly teeth and walk out with a brand-new smile.

While dental bonding is a popular cosmetic option, it’s not a solution if you have an orthodontic problem such as misaligned teeth.

In other cases, porcelain dental veneers may be a better option – longer lasting but more expensive.One of our dentists experienced in cosmetic and orthodontic procedures can help you decide whether dental bonding is right for you.