Dental bonding a process of applying a tooth-colored material (usually resin) on a damaged tooth and curing it using high-intensity light. It is used to repair cracked, chipped or broken teeth and is commonly used for aesthetic enhancement. It is also used to change the shape and size of teeth, make them look whiter and to close large gaps between teeth.

Bonding procedure

The procedure of bonding needs minimal preparation. There are two types of bonding, namely, direct composite bonding and adhesive bonding.

Direct composite bonding:In this process, dentists use dental composites to repair teeth which are chipped, worn out, cracked, broken, to fill cavities and to close large gaps between teeth. The process includes repeated layering of material until the desired shape of the tooth is obtained. Finally, the restoration is polished to match the color and texture of the rest of the tooth.

Adhesive bonding: This is a process where a restoration is attached to a tooth. The restorations can be veneers, bridges, crowns, inlays, and onlays. The surface of the tooth has to be prepared before the bonding agent is applied. After the surface of the tooth has been roughened up, a bonding agent is applied onto the prepared surface and the restoration is placed over it. High-intensity UV light is used to firmly bond the restoration to the tooth surface.

Dental bonding can be used for the following:

  • When there are gaps between adjacent teeth
  • When the root of a tooth has been exposed due to receding gums
  • When a tooth has a cavity
  • When a tooth has been chipped or fractured

Dental bonding consultation

Consulting your dentist would help determine cracked, chipped or damaged teeth of any sort. An x-ray may be used in order to determine the extent of damage caused. After the screening process, the dentist would recommend a suitable cosmetic restorative process. If the damage is too severe, other restorative processes may be recommended for long-lasting results. Anyone with minor dental issues such as cracked or chipped teeth can get them fixed quickly.

Dental bonding is one of the simplest means of improving one’s oral aesthetics. Moreover, the bonded restorations are strong and durable, making them long-lasting and functionally stable.