Just the thought of going to the dentist makes some people nervous because it seems like such a serious thing. Other than to get a checkup and cleaning, it is usually for treatment, and treatment means longer visits and more time in the chair. But did you know there are some dental treatments that don’t require lengthy visits, discomfort, or poking and prodding? It’s true, and easy, breezy dental bonding is one of them!
What is Dental Bonding?
Bonding does not require the removal of a tooth or tooth structure. Bonding does not require anesthesia. Bonding is the act of adding a cosmetic resin material to your tooth or teeth. The material used for bonding is the same material used for tooth-colored fillings. Bonding can be used to restore a smile suffering from any of the following:
- Enamel stains and/or internal discoloration
- Chipped, cracked, or fractured teeth
- Pitted teeth
- Craze lines
- Gaps between teeth
- Teeth that are too small, or have been worn down and require lengthening
The Bonding Process
The bonding process consists of:
- Your dentist will prepare your tooth by slightly etching (roughening) the surface.
- Next, a special conditioning liquid is added to the surface for optimal adhesion.
- Using the correct shade of composite to blend with your surrounding dentition, the bonding material is added to your tooth in a putty-like state, then molded and smoothed into the proper shape.
- The material is then cured (hardened) using a special ultraviolet light.
- Once the material is hardened, your dentist will perform the final shaping and trimming.
- Your dentist will then polish the material until it matches the sheen of your natural teeth.
The bonding process usually takes between 30 minutes and one hour. It is that easy, breezy!
