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Cosmetic Bonding

What is Dental Bonding?

Bonding uses a tooth-coloured composite resin or plastic for repairing decayed, fractured, chipped, or discoloured teeth. Bonding can be finished in one visit unlike veneers which have to be made in a laboratory and customized for a proper fit. The procedure is called bonding because the material literally bonds with the tooth.

What is Dental Bonding used for?

Bonding is one of the simplest, easiest, and cheapest cosmetic dental procedures being performed today. The composite resin used in bonding can be shaped and polished in such a way that it will match the colour of the surrounding teeth. Bonding is used so that the appearance of a chipped tooth or a discoloured tooth is fixed. Bonding can also be used to close spaces between teeth, make the teeth look longer, or change the shape and colour of the teeth. Bonding can also be used as an alternative to amalgam fillings. Sometimes, bonding can be used to protect a portion of a tooth’s root that has been exposed when gums have receded.

How do you prepare for Dental Bonding?

No preparation is needed for bonding. If there were preparation needed then it would be minimal. Anaesthesia isn’t even needed unless the bonding is being placed to fill a decayed tooth.

How is the procedure for Dental Bonding done?

Your dentist will use a shade guide to choose which composite resin matches the colour of your teeth the best. When your dentist has chosen a colour, the surface of the tooth will be abraded or etched so that the surface is rough. The tooth will be coated lightly with a conditioning liquid which helps the bonding material adhere.

When the tooth is being prepared, your dentist will put a tooth-coloured puttylike resin that will be moulded and smoothed until it has the correct shape. Afterwards, the material is hardened with ultraviolet lasers or ultraviolet lights.

When the bonding material hardens, your dentist will trim it further and shape it even more. Afterwards, it will be polished until it matches the sheen of the other teeth. This whole procedure will take around thirty minutes to an hour depending on the number of teeth to be done. Sometimes, you may even have to do it in multiple visits.

What are the follow up procedures for Dental Bonding?

Tea, coffee, cigarettes, and other substances can cause stains on the resin that was used in bonding. In order to minimize the occurrence of stains, you must minimize your intake of coffee, tea, and cigarettes.  You should brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily in order to maintain the colour of the teeth. Visit your dentist regularly as well.

What are the risks involved with Dental Bonding?

The composite resin that is used in bonding is not as strong as the material of natural tooth. If you bite on your fingernails, chew on ice, or chew on pens then this may cause the material to chip. Bonding will last for several years before it needs repair. The longevity of the bonding will depend on how much bonding was done and how you take care of your teeth.

If you have received a letter from Dental Works to join our Dental Plan and choose not to do so, please be reassured YOU ARE STILL A VALUED PATIENT AT THE PRACTICE and can be seen on an independent basis, with no further action required.