What is dental bonding?

Bonding is a dental procedure that uses a tooth-colored resin on the surface of your tooth to correct imperfections. The dentists at Alluna Dental use resin, a durable plastic material, and high-intensity light and adhesives to cover and seal teeth. Bonding can repair small chips on your teeth or cover regions of your teeth that are sensitive.

Dental bonding is usually a faster dental procedure than getting veneers or crowns. Your dentist can create and apply a tooth bond in one office visit, while veneers and crowns need to be created in a lab. It’s an affordable cosmetic dental treatment that can make a big difference in improving your smile.

What is bonding used for?

Bonding is a popular cosmetic dental procedure that is simple and cost-effective. It can repair the look of a chipped, damaged, or discolored tooth and it’s also used in place of amalgam fillings. Bonding can repair your smile if your teeth are:

• Chipped or cracked
• Discolored
• Gapped
• Short
• Misshapen
• Decayed

Bonds can protect sensitive teeth or even cover exposed roots due to gum recession. The resin covers sensitive enamel and exposed areas that may cause you pain while eating or drinking.

How does bonding work?

Bonding procedures typically take between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the number of teeth involved. Usually, patients don’t need anesthesia for dental bonding — so you won’t experience any downtime afterward.

During the procedure, your dentist chooses a resin that closely matches the color of your natural teeth. Then, they prepare the tooth by gently roughening it to make the resin adhere. Prior to application, the resin is malleable and putty-like. Your dentist molds and smooths the resin to mimic the natural tooth, and uses high-intensity light to harden and strengthen it.

Your dentist shapes, trims and polishes the bonded tooth to match your other teeth and create a smooth, beautiful smile. After the procedure is complete, your bite should feel normal.

How long do bonds last?

Dental bonds don’t require special care. The resin is durable, and you can care for your bonded teeth with the same proper dental hygiene habits as you do your other teeth.

You can expect your bonds to last several years. It’s a good idea to avoid chewing materials that could chip the bond, like ice or hard candies. Your oral habits and hygiene affect how well the dental bonds hold up and whether you’ll need touch-ups or replacement bonds.

Bonds are one of the most affordable ways to improve your smile if you suffer from chipped, damaged, or sensitive teeth. To learn more about bonding, call or use the online tool to schedule an appointment with the cosmetic dental experts at Alluna Dental.