Cosmetic bonding is a dental procedure that uses a white, tooth-colored composite resin that can be shaded to match your teeth. This material is applied to your teeth and sculpted to cover or replace the problem area. The material bonds to the surface of your teeth like a glue. It is often “cured” or hardened with an intense ultraviolet light.
Natural Dental Bonding
What is Cosmetic Dental Bonding?
What Makes You A Candidate?
- Unsightly gaps between front teeth
- Slightly chipped teeth
- Rough or jagged edges on front teeth
- Dull colored or stained teeth
Dental Bonding Procedure
The cosmetic bonding procedure is a three-step process.
Step 1
In order to prepare the teeth for the bonding material, an etching solution is applied. This roughens the surface of the teeth in order to help strengthen the bond between the plastic and the teeth.
Step 2
Next, a layer of bonding resin is put onto the surface of the teeth and is hardened using a special light. More than one layer may be added as each layer hardens in only a few minutes.
Step 3
The bonding resin is then molded to the desired shape and will be colored in order to match the natural teeth. Lastly, the material is polished until smooth.
This process takes between 1 to 2 hours and the results can last up to 10 years without needing restoration.
The Solution
Composite resin is a white, tooth-colored material that can be shaded to match your teeth. This material is applied to your teeth and sculpted to cover or replace the problem area. The material bonds to the surface of your teeth like a glue. It is often “cured” or hardened with an intense ultraviolet light.
Advantages
When skillfully applied and sculpted, this material allows you to have a natural, beautiful improvement in your smile.
Disadvantages
Bonding is initially less expensive than porcelain veneers. However, it tends to break down and discolor in several years and will need to be replaced. For this reason, porcelain restorations are usually more cost-effective over time
Alternatives
Porcelain laminates or crowns are an excellent, longer lasting alternative.