Restore Your Smile With Dental Bonding

Smile imperfections can dampen the way you see yourself. Fortunately, there are various to improve or correct them. One of the most common is dental bonding. This smile restorative can enhance smiles and their function in as little as one appointment.

What is dental bonding?

Dental bonding is a cosmetic procedure that uses tooth-colored composite resin to form the shape of a tooth. The process is simple enough, requiring only one appointment. During the procedure, the dentist will use composite resin to form around the natural tooth. Once in place and resembling the natural tooth, they will harden the material until it is durable enough to withstand one's natural biting force. The dentist will coach the patient through a bite test to ensure no adjustments are necessary. Finally, once the results are acceptable to both the patient and dentist, they will polish the material and natural tooth for a smooth finish.

Conditions dental bonding can correct

Dentists use dental bonding for various reasons, but mainly if there is no immediate threat to the tooth. Due to the material's flexibility, the dentist can mold it to cover chips and gaps. It is also a good option for patients with tooth discoloration who cannot undergo teeth whitening.

How to care for dental bonding

Dental bonding results can last between three and 10 years. For the latter, consider following these tips:

Avoid certain types of food

One of the attractive benefits of dental bonding is the use of composite resin material, which is durable and simulates the strength of natural teeth. However, patients should still be cautious or completely avoid certain foods, as the material fills spaces or covers chips, meaning it seldom covers the entire tooth. Nor is the material anchored, but it is bonded using an adhesive. Therefore, it may be unable to stand up against incredibly hard foods (popcorn kernels, nuts, ice) or sticky and gummy foods (candy, caramel). They should also avoid citric foods or drinks (lemons, limes, fruit juices), as they can wear down the material like natural enamel.

Avoid using the teeth as a tool

It is common for patients to mindlessly chew on inanimate or inedible objects such as pens or fingernails. This action is likely a coping mechanism or done out of boredom. Likewise, it is common for patients to use their teeth to open things like bottles or packages. We recommend avoiding both habits at all costs, as, like with natural teeth, the dental bonding material can become damaged or lost.

Maintain proper dental hygiene

Because composite resin can become stained with certain foods or drinks, it is important to maintain proper dental hygiene. While composite resin does not require special oral care products, patients should be sure to brush twice daily, floss once daily, and use a non-alcoholic mouth rinse once daily.

Use a mouthguard

Mouthguards are highly beneficial for patients who play sports and those who often grind or clench their teeth. Bonding material can withstand biting and chewing force, but like natural teeth, it can weaken and break due to excessive, prolonged force (from grinding) or a blow to the face (in a sports injury).