Bonding
Bonding
As the term implies, dental bonding is the process of bonding tooth-colored resin to the teeth to mask imperfections. In addition to providing cosmetic relief, bonding can be used to fill cavities. Once the resin has been bonded to the tooth, it is basically permanent. That doesn’t mean that you’ll never have to have it touched up or replaced. It just means that it is very unlikely to fall off or break away.
Bonding can be an alternative to lumineers, and can be used as a restorative procedure for teeth that are chipped, cracked, discolored or disarranged.
Why is It Needed?
Why is It Needed?
People turn to dental bonding for a variety of reasons. A few of the most common reasons include:
- To fill in a small gap between two teeth
- To repair decayed teeth by filling a cavity with tooth-colored resin
- To change the shape of a tooth
- To repair chips or cracks in teeth
- To cover up discoloration
- To protect the root of a tooth after it’s been exposed by receding gums
- To make a tooth look larger than it is, which is usually done to make it match the other teeth
What Does It Consist Of?
What Does It Consist Of?
If you have very small imperfections on your teeth, bonding could be the answer. Many people opt for this procedure because it is quick, easy and affordable. The bonding procedure can often be completed in a single office visit, and can improve the appearance of a tooth significantly. However, since the plastic resin used is not as strong as your natural tooth enamel, it is more likely to stain, chip or break than natural teeth. Bonding typically lasts three to five years before the need of repair. After looking at the tooth, the dentist may recommend a veneer or a crown instead.
How is It Carried Out?
How is It Carried Out?
The process of dental bonding is simple and fast:
- Local anesthesia is not usually necessary. If a cavity is being filled, it may be used. Otherwise, the dentist probably won’t bother with it.
- The dentist will examine the area where the resin will be applied to determine the appropriate shade. There are many shades available, so it’s easy to closely match the appearance of the surrounding teeth.
- The next step is to prepare the tooth for the bonding material and resin. After roughening the surface of the tooth a little, the dentist will apply a conditioning liquid that will help the bonding material work better.
- Tooth-colored resin will be applied to the affected area. The dentist will carefully mold it and smooth it to ensure that it look like your other teeth to make it look as natural as possible.
- Once the dentist is satisfied about the appearance of the bonding material, a special light will be used to cure it/harden it. This is when the real bonding happens, and it usually only takes a minute or two.
- After the resin is successfully bonded to the underlying tooth, the dentist will go back over it to ensure that it look natural. Some trimming or shaping may be done to make it look right. In some cases, it may be all set immediately after it is cured.
In most cases, dental bonding takes between 30 minutes per tooth. It all depends on the nature of the underlying problem and various other factors. Our dentists will take as much time as needed to ensure that your teeth look flawless.
Make an Appointment
Make an Appointment
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Mehrabani by calling (514) 696-5746 or by filling out the form below.
Our office hours, location and directions are available on our Contact Us page.
New Patient? Welcome!
New Patient? Welcome!
Dr. Mehrabani is pleased to welcome new patients.
Schedule your first visit with us by calling (514) 696-5745 or by filling out the New Patient Form here.
The New Patient Form is required in order to complete our records and to enable us to give proper consideration to your treatment needs. The form is strictly confidential and can be completed online here. If you’d prefer to fill out the form in person, call us at (514) 696-5745.
