Bonding
Dental bonding is a procedure in which a tooth-colored composite resin material is applied to your teeth to restore or improve your smile. Bonding can improve the appearance of teeth that are chipped, broken, cracked, stained or have spaces between them.
Bonding your front teeth usually requires minimal preparation of the tooth. Anesthesia is usually not needed unless there is an old restoration or decay present. The tooth is roughened with a conditioning gel to help the bonding material adhere to the tooth. The composite resin is then applied and cured with an ultraviolet light. Your DHA dentist will then shape and polish the resin to its final appearance.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Bonding
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Cost. Bonding is one of the least expensive cosmetic procedures. | Staining. Although you can achieve excellent results with bonding, the resin does stain over time. Crowns and veneers will be much more stain resistant. |
| Time. Unlike crowns and veneers, which require more time to prepare and a second visit to place them, bonding can be completed in a single visit. | Durability. Crowns and veneers are more resistant to breaking and usually last much longer that bonding. |
| Invasiveness. Bonding requires minimal tooth removal. |
Dental bonding is a great option for certain cosmetic situations. There are some limitations with the composite resin material, so consult your DHA dentist about the best option for you.
Contact one of our clinics to schedule an appointment. We are happy to help!
Meet Our Staff
Jessica, Registered Dental Hygienist,
with DHA since 2003
Bonding FAQs
How long does bonding last?
Success of bonding is determined, in part, on the location of the restoration on the tooth. If the bonding is on the very edge of your tooth, it may not last as long because of biting forces. A tooth colored filling last 4-8 years on average, depending on the study.
How do I care for my bonded teeth?
You should brush and floss just like you would for your normal teeth. Dental bonding can stain over time. The potential for stain will be greater for those who consume more coffee, tea, dark cola, red wine, or tobacco products.