WHAT IS DENTAL BONDING, HOW IS IT DONE, AND OTHER QUESTIONS ANSWERED

By: Dr. Christopher Lim
Posted on: July 17, 2019

Are you looking for a fast and effective treatment for minor tooth damage or cosmetic smile concerns? If so, dental bonding may be right for you. It is a straightforward, conservative procedure that can cover most blemishes and aesthetic concerns. In the hands of renowned artist and dentist, Dr. Lim of Hillside Dental this procedure is known for producing stunning results. We are often asked about dental bonding, how it works, what it can treat, and what exactly it is. Here, we answer some of the most common questions.

WHAT IS DENTAL BONDING?

This is probably one of the most common questions. Patients often ask if it is a restoration like a crown, which is bonded to the tooth. In reality, this treatment is more comparable to a cosmetic cavity filling. Crowns, bridges, veneers, and other porcelain restorations are indirect restorations, meaning they are created and shaped, then placed in the mouth. Bonding, like fillings, is a direct restoration, meaning it is created in the mouth. In fact, the resin material used for dental bonding is quite similar to that used for fillings.

The bonding procedure may be performed for cosmetic improvement, or to correct minor tooth damage. This includes:

Repairing cracked or chipped teeth
Covering discolored areas and stains that do not respond to whitening treatment.
Closing wide spaces between the teeth
Improving the shape of a tooth
Protecting exposed tooth roots
Much more

HOW IS THE BONDING PROCEDURE PERFORMED?

The entire treatment is completed in a single appointment, with little to no tooth preparation needed. In many cases, there is no need for anesthesia because the procedure is so gentle and conservative. While the timeframe varies from one patient to the next, bonding usually takes less than an hour for each tooth to be treated. It is completed in a few simple steps:

Preparation – If necessary, the tooth is numbed. The treatment area is cleaned, and any decayed tooth material is removed. The tooth surface is slightly roughened and then a conditioning agent is applied, to ensure a strong bond.
Application – When the tooth is ready, bonding material is applied. It is a consistency like soft putty, allowing Dr. Lim to mold and shape it with precision.
Curing – A special light is applied, which hardens the bonding material.
Refining – Once the material is hardened, Dr. Lim will further sculpt it, trimming, smoothing, and shaping as needed. The final step is polishing the bonding to a lustrous sheen, which mimics the appearance of natural tooth enamel.

HOW LONG WILL DENTAL BONDING LAST?

This procedure uses a high strength resin material. Although not as strong as porcelain, it is quite durable and long lasting. Generally, this type of restoration is expected to last from three to ten years. However, that timeframe is subject to many different variables including the extent of the bonding work, the presence or absence of oral disease, your hygiene habits and overall health, and more.

WILL MY TOOTH LOOK NATURAL?

Yes! Bonding material is naturally tooth colored, and the shade is adjusted for a precise match to your enamel. It also has considerable stain resistance, although it is not quite as resistant as porcelain.

IS BONDING A GOOD ALTERNATIVE TO PORCELAIN VENEERS?

That depends on two things. First is the condition of your teeth. Although bonding and veneers are used for many of the same concerns, the two procedures are not always interchangeable. Bonding material is very strong, but still softer than porcelain, so it is generally not recommended for covering the entire surface of multiple teeth. In that situation, veneers would be preferable. On the other hand, a veneer is extremely thin, so it is not adequate for repairs such as filling in a cavity, which bonding material does very well. The second factor is your personal preferences. During your consultation, Dr. Lim will discuss your options and explain the pros and cons of each, such as cost, treatment time, restoration longevity, expected aesthetic outcome, and more.

There is one more question that we are often asked. Is Dr. Lim accepting new patients? The answer is yes! All you need to do is give us a call at (702) 666-8584 to schedule.