What is dental bonding?

Dental bonding is a great solution for restoring decayed teeth, making cosmetic improvements, and even changing the color or shape of your teeth. Bonding will lighten any stains you may have, close up minor gaps, and can be used to correct crooked teeth. Basically, bonding will cover any natural flaws applying a thin coating of a plastic material on the front surface of your teeth. After this, your cosmetic dentist will apply a bonding material and sculpt color and shape it to provide a pleasing result. A high-intensity light then hardens the plastic, and the surface is finely polished.

With dental bonding you can

• repair decayed teeth
  
• repair chipped or cracked teeth
  
• improve the appearance of discolored teeth
  
• close spaces between teeth
  
• make teeth look longer
  
• change the shape of teeth
  
• have a cosmetic alternative to amalgam fillings
  
• protect a portion of the tooth's root that has been exposed when gums recede

Types of dental bonding procedures

For small corrections: Small corrections usually require one visit to your dentist. The fillings are color-matched to the tooth and bonded to the surface for added strength. These are most appropriate for small fillings and front fillings as they may not be as durable for large fillings.

For larger corrections: Dental lab-created, tooth-colored fillings require two appointments and involve making a mold of your teeth and placing a temporary filling. A dental laboratory then creates a very durable filling to custom-fit the mold made from your teeth. These fillings are typically made of porcelain. The custom-fit filling is then bonded to your tooth on your return visit. This type is more natural-looking, more durable, and more stain resistant.

How long does dental bonding last?

While the traditional silver fillings last about seven years, dental bonding composites should last about seven to eleven years.

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