What Is Dental Bonding and How Does It Work?
Between dental bonding, crowns, and veneers, there are many options to choose from when it comes to cosmetic dental treatments! How do you pick the right procedure?
Today, we're going to talk about dental bonding--what it is, how it works, and if it's right for you.
Dental bonding is the cheapest and fastest among cosmetic treatments, but it should only be used for minor issues and it does not last as long as its counterparts, crowns and veneers. Whether or not dental bonding is right for you depends on the extent of the procedure required, your tolerance to anesthesia, your dentist's recommendations, your budget, and more.
Find out why!
We are currently offering 20% off dental bonding when you sign up for our Dental Savings Plan!
What Is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding is the process of applying composite resin to a tooth or multiple teeth in order to repair damage or restore appearance.
Dental bonding is typically used for minor cosmetic corrections, such as:
- Chipped teeth
- Fractured teeth
- Minorly decayed teeth
- Exposed roots
- Discolored teeth
- Small gaps between teeth
- Changing the shape, size, or length of teeth
- An alternative to mercury amalgam fillings
Dental bonding is cheaper and quicker than crowns and veneers, which are typically required for more extensive cosmetic corrections and include multiple visits to the dentist so they can be manufactured in a lab. The entire procedure lasts 30-60 minutes per tooth being corrected. If you are having multiple teeth corrected, you may need to make a second visit.
Did you know that we offer same-day dental crowns at South Anchorage Dental Center?
Dental bonding does not require anesthesia, unless you are getting a cavity filled, the extent of the cosmetic correction requires drilling or a chip in your tooth is near a nerve ending. It also does not require the removal of as much enamel as veneers and crowns do.
All of that said, dental bonds are not as strong as crowns and veneers--they are easier to chip, break, and stain--and they do not last as long. You will need to either restore or replace dental bonds every 5-10 years.
How Does Dental Bonding Work?
The dental bonding process can be broken down into 7 steps:
- Your dentist uses a shade guide to find the right match of composite resin for the color of your teeth.
- They etch the surface of the tooth being corrected to create a rough surface ideal for dental bonding.
- Your dentist applies a conditioning liquid to the tooth to prepare it for dental bonding.
- They apply the putty-like composite resin and mold it to the desired shape on the tooth.
- Your dentist hardens the composite resin using a special blue light or laser.
- They continue shaping the composite resin after it has hardened.
- Your dentist polishes the composite resin until it matches the sheen of your teeth.
It is very important that you do not consume any staining food or drink such as coffee, tea, or smoke within the first 48 hours of completing the procedure. After the procedure, you should avoid eating ice, chewing on pens or pencils, biting your fingernails, or biting down on hard candy or other hard foods. Care for dental bonds is same as exercising proper hygienic care for your teeth. You should call your dentist if you feel any sharp edges around your dental bonds or if your bite does not feel right.
Do you think dental bonding might be right for you? Schedule a free consultation with us at South Anchorage Dental Center! We have been serving Anchorage with family dental care--including dental bonding--for many years. Our dentists will listen to your needs, examine your cosmetic concern, and discuss your treatment options with you. Going on now, we are offering 20% off dental bonding when you sign up for our Dental Savings Plan!
