Dental bonding can help patients achieve a more seamless smile when teeth are not in their best condition. Dental bonding is when the dentist applies a tooth-colored resin material to any imperfections and then hardens it with a special light. This adheres the material to the tooth to restore a patient's smile. This procedure repairs chipped, cracked, or discolored teeth.
Dental bonding is a relatively simple treatment that does not typically require any anesthesia. Dental bonding is available at Oak Tree Dental in Poway and the surrounding area. Call us at (858) 748-2101 to schedule an appointment or see whether this procedure is right for you.
Understanding dental bonding
Dental bonding is a cosmetic dental procedure that can repair tooth damage. The bonding process involves the adhesion of composite resin, a durable plastic material, to the tooth's surface. The tooth-colored resin ultimately bonds to the tooth to improve its overall appearance.
This procedure is helpful for people with chipped, cracked, decayed, or discolored teeth. The composite resin used in dental bonding is pliable, allowing our dentist to customize and mold it into the proper shape or size. Our dentist can also color match the composite resin to closely match it to the natural color of the patient's teeth.
“The bonding process involves the adhesion of composite resin, a durable plastic material, to the tooth’s surface.”
The right patient for dental bonding
Tooth bonding is a good option for people who have teeth with only minor damage without any significant decay. It is also an effective option for those who are already happy with the color of their teeth. Since dental bonding does not alter tooth color, patients will want to consider whitening their teeth before the dental bonding procedure.
In addition to fixing chips and cracks, dental bonding can help close the spaces between teeth. It is also a good option for patients who want to change the shape of a tooth. Dental bonding is a cosmetic alternative to a traditional metal filling, or to protect the portion of a tooth's root that may have become exposed from receding gums.
“Tooth bonding is a good option for people who have teeth with only minor damage without any significant decay.”
Dental bonding benefits
Dental bonding is a good option for restoring teeth since it is a minimally invasive procedure. This procedure allows patients to keep as much of the natural tooth structure as possible. During the application process, our dentist removes very little to no enamel at all. Minimal work to the enamel allows patients to maintain the natural health and structure of their teeth.
This quick treatment produces high-quality results that appear natural. The composite resin is durable but adaptable and can be adjusted by our doctor in the future after treatment. Dental bonding also protects and restores the function of worn-down, chipped, or discolored teeth.
“This quick treatment produces high-quality results that appear natural.”
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The dental bonding process is quick and relatively non-invasive. Our dentist will select a composite resin color that matches the patient's tooth color before the dental bonding process. If a patient's tooth requires drilling to change its shape or damage near a nerve, our dentist may apply a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort. During the procedure, the tooth surface is roughened and given a conditioning liquid to help the bonding material adhere to the tooth.
Our dentist will then apply, mold, and smooth the resin into the desired shape before hardening the material with a light or laser. Once the resin hardens, it is trimmed, shaped, and polished to match the tooth's surface. The bonding process typically takes one appointment and lasts about 30 to 60 minutes for each tooth.
“The dental bonding process is quick and relatively noninvasive.”
Questions answered on this page
Q. What are the benefits of dental bonding?
Q. What happens during the dental bonding process?
Q. What are the possible risks associated with dental bonding?
Q. Who is the right candidate for tooth bonding? What can dental bonding be used for?
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Possible risks of dental bonding
Dental bonding is not associated with any major risks. However, there are some potential side effects that patients should be aware of before seeking treatment. Some patients can experience an allergic reaction to the bonding materials, tools, or conditioning liquid used during the dental bonding process.
Although these reactions are rare, patients can visit an allergist before their appointment to test whether they will experience any side effects from the materials. Like any dental procedure, there is also the risk of infection. However, proper cleaning and sterilization will help prevent this from occurring.
“Dental bonding is not associated with any major risks.”
Frequently asked questions
There are no major risks associated with dental bonding. Keep in mind, a dental bond is not as strong as your natural tooth. Since it can chip or crack, it is a good idea to stop habits such as chewing on ice or biting your fingernails.
Dental bonding is more cost-effective than many other restorative dental procedures. Costs vary depending on the location of the bond and the extent of the procedure. Check with your insurance provider to see if dental bonding gets covered under your policy.
With proper care, a dental bond can last for a decade. Touch-ups can be done if our dentist notices some wear and tear. Plan to take care of your bonded tooth just as you would the rest of your teeth.
Dental bonding can address a variety of dental conditions. This includes chipped teeth, gaps between your teeth, fixing a tooth that is an odd shape, and even cosmetic fillings. Our staff can help you determine if dental bonding can correct your smile concerns.
To begin, we create a composite resin material that matches the color of your teeth. The teeth are roughened to allow the resin to bond correctly. We will then apply the resin and use a special curing light to harden the resin, bonding it instantly to your teeth. Lastly, we can reshape and polish any areas as needed to ensure they look as natural as possible with the surrounding teeth.
Dental terminology
Cosmetic dentistry is generally used to refer to any dental work that improves the appearance (though not necessarily the function) of a person’s teeth, gums and/or bite.
Tooth decay is when the enamel of the tooth begins to decay and cause erosion from plaque and tartar on the teeth.
Dental caries are also known as cavities and result from a lack of proper oral hygiene leaving plaque that forms tiny holes in the teeth.
A dental checkup is an appointment that involves cleaning the teeth, identifying any signs of infection and removing said signs of infection at least once every six months in the office.
A dental filling involves restoring the structure of the tooth by using metal, alloy, porcelain or plastic to fill the tooth.
A dental prophylaxis is a professional and detailed cleaning that involves the removal of plaque, calculus and stains from the teeth.
Dental sealants contain a resinous material that we apply to the chewing surfaces of the posterior teeth to prevent dental caries.
A dentist, also known as a dental surgeon, is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity.
Gingivitis is the inflammation of gum tissue that results from plaque, other infections in the mouth and poor oral hygiene.
Preventive dentistry is the dentistry that focuses on maintaining oral health in order to prevent the spread of plaque, the formation of tartar and infections in the mouth.
Individual results vary. How long a treatment lasts, and how it looks and feels, depends on each patient.