What is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding is a cosmetic dental procedure designed to enhance the appearance of discoloured or chipped teeth. After applying a tooth-coloured composite resin, dental professionals can shape it to match the colour and texture of surrounding teeth, resulting in a natural-looking finish.
This procedure offers numerous benefits beyond repair alone. Dental bonding can close gaps between teeth, creating a more uniform smile. It can also elongate shorter teeth, which could have been caused by wear and tear or genetic factors.
Dental bonding also allows for changes to the shape of teeth, helping to achieve a balanced and symmetrical look. It can also alter the aesthetic of a person's smile by changing the colour of the teeth, creating a brighter, healthier-looking smile.
The Bonding Procedure
Dental bonding is a procedure that typically requires only one visit to the dental office and can usually be completed within 30 to 60 minutes per tooth.
During the bonding process, the dentist starts by applying an etching solution to the surface of the tooth. This prepares it for the composite resin, which is then selected to match the natural colour of the surrounding teeth.
After the resin is applied, it is carefully moulded into the desired shape and subsequently hardened using a high-intensity curing light.
When is Dental Bonding Used?
There are several different cases where a dentist may recommend dental bonding. This includes:
- Filling small cavities after treatment to restore strength and appearance.
- Addressing discoloration and changing the shape of a tooth.
- Repairing chips or cracks and close gaps between teeth.
- Protecting the tooth root from exposure from a receding gum line.
