Everything You Need to Know About Dental Bonding

 

Given the immense popularity of cosmetic dentistry procedures like teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, dental crowns and Invisalign, it’s easy to overlook what is perhaps the most accessible entry-level cosmetic procedure for making subtle but transformative changes to your smile — dental bonding.

What is dental bonding?

Dental bonding in West Edmonton involves the targeted application of small amounts of composite resin materials to fix and hide flaws that detract from the appearance of one or more teeth. The composite is a durable plastic-like material in the form of a putty that has been selected to blend naturally with the colour of your own dental enamel. Once the composite has been placed, your dentist in West Edmonton will harden the material with a special light before trimming and polishing it to blend imperceptibly with your own tooth material.

When is dental bonding used?

Considering how inexpensive it is and how quickly it can be performed — just one appointment and perhaps 30 to 60 minutes per tooth being perfected — dental bonding near you is a stunningly versatile weapon in your cosmetic dentist’s arsenal. With dental bonding, the staff at your dental clinic in West Edmonton can:

• To restore chipped material
• To repair cracks in your enamel
• To cover discolorations, especially discolorations that can’t be bleached away (such as discoloration caused by injury, infection or medication-related side effects)
• To fill gaps between widely gapped or inconsistently spaced teeth
• To lengthen a short tooth or to change the shape of a tooth

Dental bonding is so versatile that it can also achieve important restorative dentistry objectives, not just cosmetic ones. The composites used in dental bonding can also fill cavities (without the use of glaringly obvious amalgam or silver fillings) and cover roots exposed by receding gums due to periodontal disease to reduce sensitivity.

Dental bonding is an ideal option for achieving small cosmetic alterations and repairing minor flaws and damages in teeth not exposed to significant bite pressures. Because composite material is not as strong or durable as natural enamel, bonding is not appropriate for long-term correction of significant structural damage or repairs to molars exposed to the highest bite pressure in your mouth.

Because the composite resins used in dental bonding are less stain-resistant than porcelain used in veneers and crowns, and because the resins can chip and break from a tooth, bonding is best considered as a temporary solution for relatively minor flaws. To preserve the lifespan of bonded surfaces, you should avoid: biting fingernails or other hard objects; chewing on ice or pens; using your teeth as tools or to tear open packages; and grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw.

If you grind your teeth or clench your jaw as you sleep, you may have a medical condition called sleep bruxism that you should discuss with a dentist near you. Your dentist may be able to provide you with a nightguard to protect your teeth and dental work from damage and to alleviate some symptoms of sleep bruxism that can include muscle soreness and jaw pain.

Well-maintained dental bonding can last for between three and 10 years before needing to be touched up or removed and replaced. If the bonding material begins to erode for any reason, you may notice a sharp edge or snag along the perimeter of the bonded area when you run your tongue over it. If you do notice such a flaw, get in touch with your dentist right away.

Whether you are looking for a temporary fix to minor issues while you investigate or prepare for more permanent solutions or simply want the quickest and cheapest cosmetic dentistry option available, there are lots of reasons to consider dental bonding. Contact a dentist near you to find out how bonding can help you achieve your goals.