What Is Teeth Bonding? Everything You Need to Know

Did you know that tooth enamel is harder than steel? Even so, that doesn't mean that your teeth are invisible. After enough damage, they might start to chip, crack, or become discolored. 

If that happens, you'll need to do something about it. Traditional options for improving the appearance of your teeth include dental veneers or crowns, but these options can be quite expensive. Fortunately, there is a perfect alternative: dental bonding. 

What is teeth bonding, you might ask? It is a very simple procedure that aims to improve the appearance of your teeth using composite resin. Keep reading and learn more about how a dental bonding service from your local dentist in Marion, Ohio, can benefit you and your smile.

What Is Dental Bonding Exactly?

As mentioned before, dental bonding involves the use of composite resin. Composite resin is a very durable and flexible material that your dentist can use to repair all sorts of dental problems. Composite resin, before being applied to your teeth, is very thick and moldable in its consistency. 

This makes it easy for your dentist to shape. The goal is to shape the resin so it matches the rest of your tooth's shape. This way, the result will look very realistic and no one will be able to even tell that your teeth have been bonded. 

Another reason why dental bonding is so realistic is that the composite resin comes in so many different shades. Your dentist won't have any trouble finding the right shade of resin to match your teeth. Many people often prefer dental bonding compared to other dental procedures such as veneers or crowns mainly because of the cost. 

Dental crowns are similarly expensive. The dental bonding cost, on the other hand, is much more affordable. 

What You Need to Know

You should have no trouble chewing tough foods such as meat. However, you should avoid munching on hard or crunchy substances such as ice or peanuts. You should also avoid opening packaging with your bonded teeth. 

These actions can eventually wear down the composite resin and cause it to crack or chip.  If your bonds do start to break down, they can be easily repaired or replaced. . Most dental bonds last around 3-5 years if they are well taken care of.  It is also important to brush and floss your bonded teeth. If you don't, the composite resin (along with your tooth enamel) might start to become discolored or decay. 

The Details Behind the Dental Bonding Process

Fortunately, the process of dental bonding is quite simple. It is especially simple when compared to dental veneers or crowns. Dental bonding, only takes between 30 minutes and an hour to complete one tooth. 

If you are bonding several teeth, this will obviously take longer and you may need to come back for another appointment to complete the job. First, your dentist will take some X-rays of your teeth. This will help the dentist determine what kind of dental problems you're dealing with.

It will also help the dentist determine whether or not you are a good candidate for dental bonding. You should not have tooth decay, gum disease, tooth infections, or any other serious dental problems, or you may not be a good candidate for this procedure. As long as your dental health is in good shape, you should be able to continue with the process. 

Your dentist will examine your teeth and pick out a shade of composite resin that best matches your tooth enamel. Your dentist will likely tell you the details of the procedure and you will have the chance to explain what kind of results you would like to achieve with dental bonding. The first step of the procedure involves preparing your tooth. 

What to Expect

Your dentist will only lightly prepare your tooth enamel and this should not hurt or affect the shape of your tooth. It is necessary because the composite resin will stick much better to your tooth once the tooth enamel has a rougher surface. Once the dentist applies the resin to your tooth, he will work quickly to shape the resin to match the shape of your tooth. 

This will ensure that the result is very natural and that the composite resin feels natural against your tooth. Once the dentist achieves the right shape, he will shine a special light on the resin. This will promote the resin to "cure" and harden. 

As the resin hardens, your dentist will continue to refine the shape of the resin. After about half an hour, the procedure should be done and you should walk out of the dentist's office with a much-improved smile. 

All About Dental Bonding

If you have some minor dental problems such as chipped teeth, gaps between your teeth, or discolored teeth, dental bonding may be the perfect solution for you. Dental bonding uses composite resin to cover or improve the shape and appearance of your teeth. At Advanced Smiles, our experienced dentists will choose a type of composite resin that matches your tooth enamel to achieve the most realistic and attractive result. 

To learn more or schedule an appointment, don't hesitate to contact us here.