Dental bonding

Dental bonding is primarily a cosmetic procedure used for restoring teeth that are damaged, discolored, decayed, misshapen, or spaced too far apart from each other. It is the procedure of applying a composite resin on the surface of a tooth to enhance its appearance and to get rid of the surface imperfections.

How is bonding done?

The dentist will screen the teeth to check for surface imperfections. Factors such as damage, wear, discoloration, receding of gums, etc. that could affect the bonding procedure will be taken into account. Once the candidacy is confirmed, the composite resin will be made according to the color of the tooth. It will be perfectly matched to make sure it is indistinguishable against the enamel.

Next, the teeth will be cleaned thoroughly to get rid of the microbes and tartar deposits. An etching solution will be applied on the tooth surface to roughen it, after which the composite resin will be applied on it in several layers. While applying it, the contour of the restoration will be kept in check to make sure it doesn’t go out of shape. The dentist uses a high-intensity curing light to harden it. Finally, it may be polished to give it just the right luster.

What type of restorations are used for bonding?

Worn out teeth:  Teeth that are severely worn out due to grinding, lose a significant part of their crown due to this. They would look displeasing and can potentially get the root canal exposed to the microbes in the mouth. Applying a bonding material to such teeth can restore the length of their crowns and also cover the exposed internal layers of the tooth.

Chipped/misshapen teeth:  External trauma to the teeth can break off a certain edge of the tooth, making it look misshapen. It can also lead to a root canal infection if left untreated for long. Bonding can help to bring it back to its ideal shape and make the tooth look and function like normal.

Cracked or broken teeth:  Teeth that sustain an injury due to high impact forces can end up cracked or broken. It can lead to immense pain and inflammation. Bonding helps to cover minor cracks and prevent tooth failure.

Excessively-spaced teeth:  Teeth that are spaced too far apart will ruin the aesthetics of the smile. They can lead to frequent embarrassment. The displeasing gaps between the teeth can be eliminated using composite bonding techniques.

Advantages of choosing composite bonding

• The composite material is quite durable and stain-resistant. It will stay as good as new for long if you take good care of the restoration.
• It helps to strengthen the tooth structure by getting rid of the surface imperfections.
• The natural tissues of the tooth wouldn’t have to be removed to apply the composite resin. In some instances, there is no need for anesthesia.
• The composite resin used for bonding can be customized to match the exact color, texture, and translucency of the enamel. Therefore, it would stay in disguise against the natural enamel.

Please schedule an appointment online or call us at (408) 371-1070 to have a consultation with any of our Los Gatos Dental Group dentists, and we will be happy to help!