Dental bonding is a dental procedure performed for functional and cosmetic benefits. It uses composite resin that has been colored the same shade as your other teeth in order to repair or cover a tooth. It helps with everything from staining and discoloration, to chips or decaying of your teeth. Here is more information about bonding and whether or not it might be right for you.

When is it Needed?

There are many different reasons to get dental bonding. The first is for functional benefits, such as if your teeth are decayed and you need to fill the cavities. It can also be used to fill in cracks or chips in your teeth, which not only improves how well your teeth function and to prevent further damage, but to improve their appearance as well. If teeth are discoloured or stained, are very short or small in size, or have spaces between them, bonding can also improve their appearance. In addition, you can help cover the look of receding gums by adding bonding to the top of the tooth near the gumline.

What Are the Pros and Cons?

The pros of getting dental bonding doe are pretty obvious; you can improve your smile, be more confident when talking and laughing with others, and can protect your teeth from further damage. You also have the benefit of bonding being less expensive than other cosmetic dental options, such as veneers. The process is also simpler and does not require a lot of filing down of your natural tooth in order to use bonding. On the other hand, bonding is not as stain-resistant as a crown or veneer, and they aren't typically as strong as crowns either.

How is Dental Bonding Done?

Dental bonding is a simple and routine procedure performed by dentists. You don't usually need anesthesia because your tooth is not going to be altered as much as with other procedures. The only time the area needs to be numbed is if you are filling a decaying tooth, which may already be sensitive. The dentist will begin by mixing the resin to match the same color as your other teeth. Then, a liquid is applied to the surface of your tooth, which is what the bonding material adheres to.

The resin is applied next, followed by molding it gently in order to make the right shape over your tooth. The dentist then smoothes it out and shines a UV light on it in order to dry and harden the material. The final step is polishing the finished tooth.

If you get dental bonding, continue taking care of the tooth just as you would your other teeth. Regular dental care and check-ups with your dentist helps prevent damage to the bonded tooth. (For more information on cosmetic dentistry, contact NorthShore Family Dentistry)