THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT TOOTH BONDING, PROCESS, DISADVANTAGES

Overview

If the teeth of a person are decayed, cracked, fragmented or discoloured, they can restore the appearances by applying a tooth-coloured composite resin. This process is called tooth bonding. Bonding materials are known as composite resins because they include a mixture of glass and plastic that adds translucency and strength. This process is classified as one of the simplest and affordable cosmetic options by which one can bring back the natural smile on their face.

It is a cosmetic dental procedure that is generally applied to fix chipped teeth, cavities and overall appearance of the teeth. Bonding is considered as a good alternative for treating small chips and blemishes. It can be performed within a single visit to the dentist. The process includes preparing the tooth and then the resin is moulded to the shape needed for repairing the blemish. After that, it is trimmed and polished to a final finish.

Process of Bonding

Bonding implements tooth-coloured materials to replace the missing teeth structure. Another thing about bonding is that it hides cosmetically unappealing minor defects in the teeth like discolouration, chips and even minor spacing irregularities. Minimum preparation is required in this process. Anaesthesia will not be applied unless there is an old restoration or decay present.

As the bonding process begins, the dentist will use a shade guide to choose a composite resin that can closely match the colour of the teeth. Then the teeth’s surface will be roughened, and a conditioning liquid will be applied. Such steps are helpful for bonding substances to stick to the teeth.

After that, the tooth-coloured, putty-like resin material will be applied, moulded and smoothed to the desired shape on the teeth. Then the resin will get hardened and strengthened with a special curing light that bonds the material to the teeth’s surface. At last, the dentist will shape, trim and polish the bonded material to match the gloss of the other teeth.

Caring Measures

Those who have passed through teeth bonding will have to brush daily. They can also advance towards flossing. They will have to allow them to be cleaned professionally at the dental clinic for two times in a year, just the same as the rest of their teeth. Like natural teeth, the composite resin is also responsible to absorb stain, that’s why the person will have to avoid coffee, tea, red wine or cigarette if they do smoke.

If the composite resin gets darkened once, they can’t be lightened again. So if someone is thinking to have their teeth whitened, the process must be done to match the lighter colour of their whitened teeth. If one tries to whiten the teeth after bonding, there are fewer chances for the bonded tooth to match the rest.

Since the bonding material can chip, a person must avoid habits like biting fingernails, chewing on pens or ice along with other hard objects. Don’t try to implement the bonded teeth as an opener. If someone notices any sharp edges on bonded teeth and if the teeth feel odd at the time of biting, it is better to consult with the dentist.

Disadvantages of Teeth Bonding

Teeth bonding contains different types of drawbacks. Such dental bonding tends to become discoloured over time, unlike crowns and porcelain veneers. Those who pursue things like tea, coffee, red wine and have a habit to smoke a cigarette can stain the material applied in bonding, making it stand out from the other teeth. In order to minimize staining, a person must avoid such types of substances for 24 to 48 hours after bonding is first performed. Those with a habit of smoking will have to choose a different cosmetic dentistry treatment as bonding material will yellow from exposure to cigarette smoke as it is porous.

Even though they are not supposed to be as strong as other restorative procedures like crowns, fillings or veneers and do not last long like them, materials used in bonding can chip and break off the teeth. This method is supposed to be cheap but does not last for long. With proper care, a person can improve its life span from three to seven years.

There are some other disadvantages of dental bonding like the material used in this process is known to be very fragile. The person who has passed through bonding will have to be careful at the time of biting hard foods to avoid chipping or breaking the bond. If the bond starts to feel jagged or uneven, it is better to call the dentist, as it is one of the warning signs.

Things Preferred Over Tooth Bonding

After exploring different disadvantages, teeth bonding can be a deal breaker. If it seems to be unfit for you, it is natural to proceed towards other options. You can get a dental crown in the event that broken teeth need to be restored fully, or if you have a cavity that is too large to correct with a filling.

If the perspective of having a tooth bonding may be changing the shape or alignment of slightly crooked teeth or correcting discoloured teeth, veneers can be a better solution. They are typically constructed of porcelain and get attached to the front teeth.

Going for teeth bonding and various restorative options is often a matter of convenience and cost. If we see bonding more delicate than a crown or set of veneers, it can also be much less expensive. Only a single appointment is needed for bonding, and a matter of a single hour is needed to treat a tooth, respectively.

On the other hand, crowns and veneers will ask for a high cost and often need multiple trips to the dentist. The trade-off is that they can last for long as compared to the typical composite resin due to their ability to face stains and hard objects. You can consult your dentist about which way to go. They will possibly guide you in taking the right path.

Contacts
CONTACT DETAILS
ELITE DENTAL GROUP, 1249 W. Glenoaks Blvd Glendale, CA 91201
Post Address: 1249 W. Glenoaks Blvd Glendale, CA 91201
Office Hours:
  • Monday-Friday: 8:30 am - 5:30 pm
  • Saturday: 8:00 am - 1:00 pm
  • Sunday: closed