The Dental Bonding Procedure and How It Changes Your Appearance

Dental bonding is also known as adhesive dentistry. It involves applying composite resin to repair discolored, decayed, or chipped teeth. The bonding procedure is usually done without the need for anesthesia except when its used to repair a decayed tooth.

This procedure is used for cosmetic purposes to enhance the appearance of discolored, stained, or broken teeth. Other times it is used to close spaces between teeth, to make them longer or change their shape.

How Is It Done?

Your dentist chooses the right color for the composite resin, guided by a shade guide. The procedure does not require any preparation since it rarely requires the use of anesthesia.

Once the dentist trims the tooth (if need be), he or she then uses an acid gel to etch the teeth. The acidic teeth conditioner is allowed to sit on the surface and washed off after 15 seconds. Your dentist then paints the bonding agent using a small brush over the etched enamel. He or she will then shine a blue light over the agent to activate drying.

Conditions Considered for Dental Bonding

Before performing the procedure in question, one has to consider certain factors. The results of this procedure are permanent and irreversible. In case you need teeth whitening in the future, this procedure is not advisable. If you decided to whiten your teeth, the bonded teeth will be darker and stand out from the rest of the teeth.
However, there are specific factors to consider. These factors are:

Color Preference

Your dentist first examines the color of your teeth by matching them with the composite resin. Dr. Robert Morehead DMD in Anchorage advises you to proceed with whitening before this procedure since you cannot whiten bonded teeth.

Shape Preference

The dentist can make an exact replica of your teeth during bonding. You should discuss the outcome preferences with the dentist first to avoid disappointments.

Teeth Grinding

Before considering the procedure in question, you should quit some para-functional habits. These habits include teeth grinding, biting on the hard stuff, and opening wrappers using your teeth.

Precautions You Should Take While Eating with Bonded Front Teeth

To prevent damaging bonded front teeth while eating, you should take the following precautions:

• Avoid biting on spoons or other cutlery
• Do not chew ice
• You should avoid hard foodstuffs such as nuts

The precautions above prevent breaking or chipping of the bonded teeth while eating.

What Are the Advantages of Teeth Bonding?

The primary advantage of bonding your teeth is that you can request for a color that matches your teeth perfectly. Other advantages are:

• It is relatively painless and does not require anesthetics
• Does not require regular appointments since it is a one-day procedure
• Your dentist does not eliminate your tooth’s enamel before bonding
• Bonded teeth are relatively long-lasting and will last up to a decade before replacement

The Downsides

This procedure comes with demerits whatsoever. One of the significant disadvantages of bonded teeth is that the resin used is not stain-resistant. It implies that once it is stained, the stain will remain visible. It leads to discoloration of your teeth.

Dental bonds are also susceptible to chipping and cracking, especially if you grind your teeth. It is also not possible to whiten your teeth after bonding.

How You Should Take Care of Your Teeth After Treatment

After getting dental bonds, there are precautions you should take and follow some guidelines to enhance the health of your teeth.

The following are the guidelines you need to adhere to:

• Brush your teeth regularly using fluoride toothpaste and floss to remove plaque
• Do not bite on your fingernails
• If you grind on your teeth, avoid doing so and ask the dentist to construct you a bite guard to prevent chipping
• Avoid picking a newly bonded tooth with your fingernails
• Try a soft diet first to allow the bonded tooth to heal
• Quit Smoking and minimize drinking coffee, soy sauce, and grape juice to prevent staining
• Do not use lightening or bleaching products on your teeth 48 hours after treatment

Visit a Dentist

At Anchorage Dental Arts DDC, we provide exquisite teeth bonding services to your satisfaction. Visit our dentists and discuss the best solution for your discolored, decayed, or broken teeth.