Bonding
Dental bonding, also known as composite or tooth bonding, is an excellent way to fix cosmetic and structural imperfections in the teeth. Dental bonding can repair cracked, chipped, and discolored teeth as well as replace silver amalgam fillings. Cosmetic bonding can also repair misaligned teeth, providing a straighter, more uniform smile.
- Dental bonding provides a natural white and beautiful appearance. It can repair chipped or broken tooth and lengthen worn down teeth.
- Dental bonding brightens your smile and improves your self-esteem.
- Dental bonding offer a conservative approach to changing a tooth's color and shape.
- It is a quick process, which typically lasts less than one hour.
- It may not reduce the tooth’s original structure and is relatively inexpensive.
- Composite resins come in many different shades and provide better matching of shades to the natural color of your teeth.
- Composite bonds, however, are not as durable and long-lasting as veneers and crowns and may need to be re-touched or replaced in the future.
The Tooth Bonding Procedure
The dentist first selects a composite resin (dental bonding material) that matches the natural coloring of your teeth. The existing tooth surface is then roughened so the resin can adhere properly. Next, the composite resin is carefully applied to the tooth, shaped, and smoothed to achieve the desired look. It is then quickly hardened via a high intensity light. Lastly, the tooth is polished so it has the same appearance as the surrounding teeth.
Tooth bonding can usually be completed in one office visit, depending on the extent of repair needed. Even if treatment needs to be performed over two or more visits, you will notice a significant difference in your smile after the first treatment. We can work out an individual plan for your dental bonding needs after an initial dental examination.
Bonding is a common solution for:
- Fixing or repairing chipped, cracked or decayed teeth
- Reducing unsightly gaps or spaces between teeth
- Hiding discoloration or faded areas on the tooth’s surface
- Often used to improve the appearance of your teeth and enhance your smile. As the name indicates, composite material, either a plastic or resin, is bonded to an existing tooth. Unlike veneers or crowns, composite bonding removes little, if any, of the original tooth.
Michael R. Ellis, DDS serving Bristol, Farmington, Unionville, Burlington and surrounding Connecticut towns in Northwest CT
