Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is typically used to correct minor cosmetic issues such as chipped teeth or gaps where resin material is placed onto your teeth and cured under a high-intensity curing light. 

How Does Dental Bonding Work?

Your dentist will select a material that is closest to the natural color of your teeth. He then roughens the surface of your tooth to ensure that the resin material will adhere. Next, a thin layer of primer or adhesive is applied to your teeth. Your dentist will then add the material and use ultraviolet light to bond the material to your tooth. Next, your dentist will smooth, shape, and contour your tooth to your liking. Finally, the bonding material will be polished so that it matches the sheen of your natural teeth.

Why Dental Bonding?

Cosmetic dentists often recommend dental bonding for small cosmetic procedures such as lengthening a tooth, changing the shape of a tooth, filling a gap, or chipped tooth. Dental bonding can be used for a number of cosmetic problems; however, it does depend on which tooth is affected. For example, the bonding material is not strong enough to fix a tooth that you consistently use for chewing or biting, and it could result in chipping the bond. Dental bonding is typically most suitable on front teeth.

How Long Does Dental Bonding Take?

It generally takes between 30 and 90 minutes per tooth; however, the exact time will depend on the cosmetic issue that is being fixed. For example, filling a gap between teeth will take longer than fixing a single chipped tooth. Although it may seem like a long process, other cosmetic procedures such as veneers often take multiple appointments. 

How to Care for Your Bonded Teeth

Taking care of your bonded teeth is just as important as taking care of your other teeth. Since the material used for dental bonding can stain over time, it is helpful to avoid drinking coffee, smoking, or anything else that may speed up staining. And, of course, make sure you are cleaning and brushing your bonded teeth as you would your natural teeth. 

Dental bonding may be the best solution for your smile makeover if you do not want your teeth drilled or if you have dental anxiety. However, please note that dental bonding does not last as long as veneers and typically lasts at least six years. The dentists at South Scottsdale Dental Care use the most durable bonding material so that your dental bonding lasts.

Are you looking to get a dental bonding procedure? Call the gentle dentists at South Scottsdale Dental Care (480) 730-5000. If you have had a bond break, chip, or fall out, let our friendly staff know so we can get you in as soon as possible as we often have same-day emergency appointments available. If you had a bond chip, fall off, or break, please let our staff know as we often can set same-day emergency appointments.