Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a simple cosmetic procedure which involves the application of a tooth-colored composite resin on a patient’s teeth to help restore or improve the aesthetics of their smile. Post its application, the composite resin is exposed to a special light to help it harden and bond to the teeth.
When is dental bonding required?
Here are some instances where dental bonding can prove effective:
Procedure
Generally, the dental bonding procedure is divided into two distinct steps which are as follows:
1. Preparation
Generally, dental bonding does not require any intensive preparation. However, the step gains importance if dental bonding is being used for filling the cavity of a decayed tooth. In such cases, dentists drill the damaged tooth to change its shape and may use local anesthesia to numb the area. Dentists use a shade guide to select a composite resin that closely matches the color of the patient’s teeth.
2. Bonding
Following the preparation and selection of the composite resin color, the surface of the tooth on which the resin has to be applied is roughened up. A conditioning liquid is then applied to the teeth. These steps ensure the bonding material adheres to the tooth surface. Post these steps, the dentists apply the chosen tooth-colored resin onto the tooth, molds and smoothens it out to the desired shape.Next, the resin is exposed to a bright blue or laser light to harden the material. The dentist then once again shapes and trims the resin in addition to polishing it to match the appearance of the tooth surface with the other teeth.
Dental bonding of one single tooth requires about 30 to 60 minutes for completion.
Benefits of dental bonding
Some of the benefits of choosing dental bonding over veneers and crowns are:
Drawbacks of the cosmetic dentistry procedure
While it may be a cost-effective and simple procedure, there are certain limitations of the procedure:
Considering all the benefits and the drawbacks dental bonding are best suited for small cosmetic procedures in areas of very low bite pressure such as the front teeth.
Aftercare
A patient is not required to follow a special routine for the preservation and protection of the dental bonding material. Following good oral hygiene is enough for protection of the dental bonding material. However, because the bonding material can easily chip off or break, dentists recommend avoiding chewing on fingernails, ice, pens or any other hard food products. In case a patient notices sharp edges around the bonded tooth or feels an odd sensation when biting using the tooth they should contact their dentist. The lifespan of the bonding material depends on the oral hygiene of the patient and the effectiveness of the bonding procedure. Generally, the bonding material can last from three years to ten years before being replaced or looked at.
We, at LaCanne Family Dental, Menominee, provide for all your needs pertaining to dental services and routine exams. Our dentists with their entire team persist to present you with exceptional treatment that enhances and maintains the beauty of your smile.
If you have any further question, queries or dental emergencies and are looking for an accomplished dentist, feel free to contact us at (906) 352-4100 to schedule an appointment.
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