How Dental Bonding Procedure Can Improve Your Smile

Dental bonding is a tooth-colored composite resin, usually a plastic, that is applied and hardened to your damaged teeth with a special light. The tooth-colored resin will perfectly bond to your teeth, which dramatically improves your smile and the appearance of damaged teeth.  

Dental bonding is an affordable and easy cosmetic dental procedure. While bonding is mostly used to improve the appearance of a chipped or decayed tooth, it can also be used: 

• To close gaps between teeth
• To change the color and shape of teeth
• As a cosmetic alternative to amalgam fillings
• To protect a portion of the tooth’s root that is visible due to gum recession

Related Read: Teeth Whitening: Get a Beautiful Smile in Urbandale

Dental bonding is a non-invasive and quick procedure that requires just a single visit to the dentist. Here are the steps involved in the tooth bonding procedure:

1. Teeth Preparation

   Little preparation is required for tooth bonding. Anesthesia is not necessary except when the bonding is used to fill a decayed tooth, the chip is near the nerve, or the tooth needs to be drilled to change its shape. Your dentist will choose the composite resin color that matches your teeth color perfectly. 

2. Application of the Bonding Material

   Your dentist will harden the surface of the tooth and apply a conditioning liquid. This helps the composite resin material to bond to the tooth. Your dentist will apply, mold, and smooth the tooth-colored resin to achieve the desired shape. They will use ultraviolet light or laser to harden the material. Once the material is hardened, it is further trimmed, shaped, and polished to match the rest of your teeth. 

You should take proper care of your bonded teeth to ensure they last for a long period. Follow these tips to maintain your bonded teeth:

• Brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day.
• Avoid biting down on hard foods and candies.
• Do not eat foods or drink beverages that can stain your teeth.
• Avoid smoking.
• Schedule regular checkups and cleanings with your dentist at least twice a year.

While dental bonding is not a permanent solution, the life of the bonding material varies depending on your oral habits and how much bonding was done. Generally, bonding materials can last from 3 years to 10 years. 

Yes, bonding will match your teeth. The composite resin material used in dental bonding is polished and shaped so that it matches your teeth perfectly and gives them a more natural look.