Tooth Bonding FAQ

If you have never received a dental bonding application, you may know little about tooth bonding. Here is a bit of information about the application and what to expect.

What is tooth bonding?

Tooth bonding occurs when your dentist applies a white composite resin material to a tooth. Tooth bonding is used as a restorative or cosmetic treatment. It can restore a tooth that has been cracked, chipped, or damaged by decay. In addition, it can improve the color of a discolored tooth. Teeth bonding can also extend the length of a short tooth or even fill a cavity.

How many visits to a dentist are required for tooth bonding?

Teeth bonding can usually be completed during a single dental visit.

What are some of the benefits of tooth bonding?

Teeth bonding is a highly versatile application. The resin that is applied during the bonding process can be molded and polished to look like natural tooth enamel. In addition, since the application can be performed during one dental visit, the look of a patient's teeth can be dramatically improved in one day.

Are there any precautions that should be taken to protect a teeth bonding application?

Composite resin is somewhat porous. As a result, deeply pigmented foods and drinks can stain the bonding material. To avoid deep staining, it is best to refrain from eating or drinking dark substances immediately after a bonding procedure. Additionally, for the life of the application, it can be helpful to rinse your mouth with water or brush your teeth after eating a deeply pigmented substance.

How is the teeth bonding procedure performed?

When dental bonding is done, the dentist must first select the color of the resin that will be used. If the resin is lighter or darker than your natural tooth material, its presence will be apparent on the teeth.

After the color of the resin has been selected, the dentist roughens the tooth surface a bit to ensure that the resin will adhere properly to the tooth. The dentist then applies the resin,  which has a similar consistency to putty. Next, the resin is molded into the proper shape and smoothed before being hardened by a specialized light. Finally, the tooth bonding material is trimmed, shaped and polished to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth.

For more information about teeth bonding and how it can benefit you, schedule an appointment with a dentist like David D. Childress, DDS.

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