Dental Bonding
Dentist Merrillville, IN
Dental Bonding
Bonding is a procedure in which a tooth-colored resin is adhered to a tooth to repair decay, chipping, fractures, or discoloration. Bonding can also be used to change the shape of teeth or to close spaces between teeth. Unless it’s being used to fill cavities, dental bonding requires no anesthesia, and depending on the number of teeth being bonded, often can be completed in one visit. It is among the fastest and easiest cosmetic dentistry procedures.
How It Works
The procedure for dental bonding is relatively simple. The dentist will select a shade of bonding material to match your teeth and will then prepare your tooth. The surface of the tooth will be roughed, and a conditioning liquid will be applied to help the bonding material adhere to the tooth. The bonding material will then be applied and molded to the desired shape. Once it’s in place, ultraviolet light or laser will be used to harden the bonding material. After it has hardened, your dentist will further shape and polish it to match the rest of the tooth.
Bonded teeth do not require special care beyond good oral hygiene practices. However, the bonding material is not as stain-resistant as the material used in crowns or veneers. Brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and visiting the dental hygienist for regular cleanings will help keep bonded teeth from staining.
The bonding material is also not as strong as natural tooth enamel or other dental resins and may not be as aesthetically pleasing as other dental options such as veneers or crowns. Biting your fingernails or chewing on ice can chip the material. Be sure to speak to one of our dental specialists about your options to discuss if dental bonding is ideally suited for your needs.