Bonding--improve your smile today!
For years, dentists have been using a tooth-colored material called composite that bonds and aesthetically improves your teeth. A mixture of resin, fillers and glass, composite emanates your tooth structure as it bonds to your teeth.
If you have chipped, cracked or misshapen teeth, consider bonding as it repairs these flaws, providing both strength and aesthetic appeal. Your cosmetic dentist applies an enamel-like material to your tooth’s surface, shapes it and hardens it with a cure light. If you’re only cosmetically enhancing your front teeth, you won’t require anesthesia, so you can complete your bonding treatment within one visit.
For other flaws like uneven surfaces and gaps, bonding also offers cosmetic enhancement, boosting your self-confidence. Cosmetic dentists use bonding techniques to alter the size, shape and alignment of your teeth.
For minor changes, bonding can last between five to seven years. If you require more work, porcelain veneers may be a better option as they provide more durability.
During your treatment, your dentist may remove a bit of your tooth structure in order to make the most of the adhesive composite resin. Then, an etching agent is applied to the tooth and coated with a clear adhesive resin which streams into the pores and bonds to the tooth-colored resin. Your dentist will then contour the resin until it reaches its preferred appearance. Once your dentist achieves a desirable appearance, a laser or curing light is then administered to harden the materials permanently.
Pros and Cons of Bonding
Pros
- Quick—usually requires one visit
- Natural look
- Less expensive than other more durable aesthetic options
Cons
- Stains and breaks more easily than veneers
- Risk of getting an uneven smile if you bleach after bonding