Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is the placement of a resin material on your teeth which is then cured under a high intensity curing light. It is typically used to correct minor cosmetic issues such as a gap between teeth or a chipped tooth.

How Does Dental Bonding Work?

Your dentist will select a material that closely matches the color of your teeth so it appears natural. He will then roughen the surface of your teeth so the resin material will adhere. A thin layer of adhesive or primer will be applied to your teeth right before the material is added. An ultraviolet light is directed over the material so it bonds to your teeth. This bonding process involves the material drying and hardening. Then your dentist will shape or contour each bonded tooth. The final step is polishing the bonded teeth so they match the sheen of your other teeth.

Why Dental Bonding?

A cosmetic dentist may recommend dental bonding as a way to lengthen a tooth or otherwise change the current shape of a tooth. Bonding is not suitable for every minor cosmetic problem. It depends in large part on the tooth affected. You do not want to bond a tooth you consistently use for biting or chewing. The bonding material is not strong enough. As a result, you can end up cracking the bond. Front teeth are typically the most suitable for dental bonding.

How Long Does the Dental Bonding Procedure Take?

It generally takes between 30 and 90 minutes to bond a tooth. The exact time required per tooth depends on the cosmetic issue being addressed. It will take longer to fill a gap between teeth than to fix a chip in a single tooth. This may seem like a long time, but remember that other cosmetic procedures such as those involving veneers often require multiple dental visits.

Caring for Your Bonded Teeth

The material used in dental bonding can stain over time. You need to care for your bonded teeth in the same manner as your other teeth. Daily brushing and flossing as well as regular dental checkups are recommended. It is helpful to avoid activities that speed up staining such as drinking coffee and smoking.

If you have dental anxiety or do not want to have your teeth drilled, dental bonding is likely the best solution for your smile makeover. It is important to note that dental bonding does not last as long as veneers although most bonding will survive at least six years. The great cosmetic dentists at Tempe Dental Care use the best materials possible to increase the durability of the dental bonding.

Are you looking for a dental bonding procedure? Call the gentle dentists at Tempe Dental Care at (480) 730-5000 and we can help you. If you had a bond chip, break, or fall off, please let our staff know as we often can set same day emergency appointments.