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Teeth Bonding – What You Need to Know

Teeth bonding is a quick and easy procedure that hides cosmetic imperfections like chips, minor gaps, cracks or discoloration. This treatment requires little preparation, doesn’t require anesthesia and is very affordable. Bonding is less expensive than other cosmetic dental treatments, like veneers and crowns. It is also non-invasive and can be completed in one visit to your dentist, saving you time. Additionally, teeth bonding may be covered by your private dental insurance, depending on the situation.

The dentist starts the procedure by choosing a shade guide and roughening the tooth’s surface, followed by applying a conditioning liquid to help the composite resin stick. Then the dentist puts on the putty-like composite and shapes it.

It’s a Non-Invasive Procedure

If you have minor tooth damage, you may benefit from dental bonding as a cosmetic treatment. This procedure is simple, and it can typically be completed in a single visit. It is also a cost-effective option, particularly when compared to veneers.

Your dentist will first examine the affected tooth to determine if bonding is the best option for you. They’ll then use a shade chart to find the composite resin color that most closely matches your natural teeth. Next, the dentist will prepare the tooth by roughening it and applying a conditioning liquid to help the resin stick.

Once the bonding material is in place, your dentist will sculpt, shape, and polish it to improve its appearance. You’ll need to follow a proper oral hygiene regimen after bonding to protect the results, including brushing twice a day and flossing regularly. You’ll also want to avoid habits like nail biting and chewing on ice or pen caps, which can chip the resin.

It’s Affordable

Before the procedure begins, your dentist will examine your teeth and choose a shade of composite resin that matches your natural tooth enamel. This step is important, as the bonded material will blend in and look natural.

Next, your dentist will roughen the surface of your teeth and apply a conditioning liquid to help the bonding material adhere. Once this is done, they will apply the resin to your teeth and mold it in place. Lastly, they will harden the composite using a special high-intensity light. The process typically takes 30 to 60 minutes per tooth. It’s important to note that composite resin doesn’t stain as well as natural enamel, so you should avoid drinking coffee and red wine and smoking after the procedure.

It’s Painless

Teeth bonding is a simple procedure that doesn’t require any anesthesia, unless it’s needed to repair a chipped tooth close to the nerve. The dentist starts the procedure by matching the composite resin color to your natural teeth, roughing the surface of the affected tooth, applying a liquid that helps the bonding material stick to the tooth, and molding the material to the desired shape before it hardens under an ultraviolet light.

The recovery period varies between patients, but the pain should subside within a few days or less. You should avoid biting into any hard foods to give the bonded tooth time to recover, and you should use a toothbrush with soft bristles and non-abrasive toothpaste to prevent scratching the bonding. Over-the-counter pain relievers can also help manage any discomfort until the sensitivity diminishes completely. With proper care and regular dental check-ups, your bonded teeth can last up to 10 years. However, it’s important to note that the bonding can wear away with heavy biting and bruxism.

It’s Long-Lasting

Unlike other cosmetic dental treatments, teeth bonding does not require a lengthy recovery period. Patients can resume all normal activities as soon as they leave the dentist’s office. However, the bonded tooth may feel sensitive at first. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help ease this discomfort.

A dentist can alter the appearance of a tooth by applying composite resin to its surface. The dentist will select a shade of resin that matches the color of the natural tooth. Then, the dentist will roughen the tooth’s surface and apply a conditioning liquid to ensure the resin sticks securely.

The lifespan of the bonded tooth will depend on the patient’s oral hygiene habits and their diet. For example, a patient should avoid chewing hard foods or using their teeth to open packages because this can exert too much pressure on the bonded tooth and cause it to chip. Patients should also brush and floss their teeth regularly and visit the dentist for routine professional cleanings and checkups.

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