Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is a procedure in which a tooth-colored resin material (a durable plastic material) is applied and hardened with a special light, which ultimately "bonds" the material to the tooth to restore or improve person's smile.

Advantages of dental bonding

• Repair decayed teeth.
• Repair chipped or cracked teeth.
• Improve the appearance of discolored teeth.
• Close spaces between teeth.
• Make teeth look longer.
• Change the shape of teeth.
• As a cosmetic alternative to amalgam fillings.
• Protect a portion of the tooth's root that has been exposed when gums recede.

Procedure of dental bonding

• Preparation. Little advance preparation is needed for dental bonding.
• The bonding process. The tooth-colored, puttylike resin is then applied, molded and smoothed to the desired shape. An ultraviolet light or laser is then used to harden the material.
• Time-to-completion. The procedure takes about 30 to 60 minutes per tooth to complete.

Care for dental bonding
Simply follow good oral hygiene practices.

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
• Floss at least once a day.
• See your dentist for regular professional check-ups and cleanings.

Because bonding material can chip, it is important to avoid such habits as biting fingernails; chewing on pens, ice or other hard food objects; or using your bonded teeth as an opener. If you do notice any sharp edges on a bonded tooth or if your tooth feels odd when you bite down, call your dentist.