What is Dental Bonding?
If you have a tooth that is discoloured, chipped or otherwise damaged, your dentist may decide to perform a dental bonding procedure. During this procedure, your dentist will bond a tooth-coloured resin to your existing tooth to restore its shape and improve its colour.
Dental bonding can also be used to close gaps between teeth, make a tooth appear longer, or generally alter the shape and colour of your teeth so they look more symmetrical.
This procedure can often be completed in a single visit and is an excellent option for patients looking for an effective solution to improve their smile. With proper care, dental bonding can last for several years before requiring a touch-up or replacement.
The Bonding Procedure
Dental bonding can typically be done in one visit to your dentist's office and only takes about 30 to 60 minutes per tooth.
To start, your dentist will apply an etching solution to the surface of your tooth to prepare it for bonding. After this, your dentist will bond the composite resin to your tooth. The colour of the resin will be specifically chosen to match your existing smile.
The composite resin is then molded into shape and hardened in place with a high-intensity curing light.
Why Dental Bonding?
If you have a minor cosmetic dental issue, such as a cracked, discoloured, or gapped tooth, dental bonding may help address it.
This procedure can give your teeth a more natural appearance, especially if the damage has occurred on one of your front teeth.
Additionally, the resin also helps to strengthen your teeth, so you can enjoy meals without having to worry about applying too much pressure on your tooth resulting in further breakage or cracking.