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Do you have gaps in your teeth or discoloration you would like changed? The term bonding is used in cosmetic dentistry to describe the process of permanently attaching dental materials to your teeth using dental adhesives and a high intensity curing light. You may not realize it, but you have probably received dental treatment involving dental bonding such as direct composite or adhesive bonding of a restoration that was created in a laboratory or in-office. What is Cosmetic Bonding? Cosmetic bonding is a popular dental technique that has been used for many years to repair minor dental imperfections in just one visit. It is a minimally-invasive procedure in which a tooth-colored resin material is applied and hardened with a special light, which ultimately "bonds" the material to the tooth to restore or improve a person's smile. Bonding can be appropriate for the following dental treatments: • Reshaping teeth
• Fixing gaps between teeth
• Repairing broken or chipped teeth
• As a filling for dental cavities
• As a replacement for amalgam or metal fillings
• Applying composite veneers One type of bonding used by dentists is tooth-colored direct composites, which are used to fill cavities, repair chips or cracks, close gaps between your teeth and build up the worn-down edges of teeth. Your dentist in Mobile will place the materials in or on your teeth where needed. Completed in one dental visit, direct composite bonding involves the precise placement of restorative material by your dentist. Adhesive bonding refers to attaching a restoration to a tooth using an etchant, a bonding agent, an adhesive and a high intensity curing light. This method is typically used for esthetic and metal-free crowns, porcelain veneers, bridges and inlays/onlays. The Bonding Procedure Your dentist will first apply a local anesthetic, if required, into the gum area around the targeted tooth. The surface of the tooth will then be cleaned thoroughly in order to dislodge any tartar accumulation or other debris. It is important to have a clean surface for the composite to bond properly. After the correct shade of composite is chosen to best suit your natural teeth shape, your tooth will be kept dry by using either a rubber dam made of latex or by placing rolls of cotton around it. At this stage, your dentist in Mobile may need to shape or roughen the tooth through the use of special equipment. A special acid gel, which will serve to etch the surface of the tooth and provide a better grip for the composite, will then be applied. The bonding agent is then applied to the newly etched surface of your tooth before being exposed to a special kind of light known as curing light. The curing light will prompt the composite to harden and set in place. Taking Care of your Teeth after Bonding After your bonding procedure, your teeth do not require special care, but a proper oral hygiene regimen is important and should be continued. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss at least once a day and visit your dentist in Mobile for regular check-ups and cleanings. Since bonding material can chip, it is also important to avoid habits such as biting your fingernails, chewing on pens, ice, or other hard foot objects, or using your bonded teeth as an opener. If you do notice any sharp edges on a bonded tooth or if your tooth feels odd when you bite down, call your dentist immediately. If your teeth are in need of an appearance boost, cosmetic bonding might be an appropriate choice for enhancing your smile. Consult with your dentist in Mobile, AL for the best cosmetic approach for your particular problem.
Sean Hartmen writes for leading dentist in Mobile, AL, Dr. Nicholas Southall. Maintaining up-to-date education, Dr. Southall provides services such as implants, teeth whitening, dentures, and bonding in Mobile, among other services.
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