Bonding
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What Is Dental Bonding?
Cosmetic dental bonding is an affordable and efficient procedure that involves the application of a tooth-colored composite resin to damaged teeth, providing a viable alternative to more invasive solutions such as crowns and veneers. This method employs a shade guide for color matching to ensure the resin complements your natural teeth seamlessly. The procedure begins with the etching of the tooth’s surface to enhance adhesion, followed by the application of a bonding liquid. The composite resin is then layered over this liquid, sculpted to the desired shape, and solidified using ultraviolet light.
Despite the inherent strength of your teeth, they are susceptible to damage from accidents or wear. Dental bonding is a preventative and corrective measure for issues such as chips, offering both aesthetic and functional benefits. Considering cosmetic dental bonding? Reach out to Piedmont Dental in Rock Hill, South Carolina at (803) 328-3886 for more information.
If Cosmetic Bonding for You?
Cosmetic bonding stands out for its value and convenience within the realm of cosmetic dental treatments. It distinguishes itself from veneers and crowns by being less invasive, preserving more of the natural tooth enamel, and often being completed in-office without the need for laboratory work. However, it’s typically recommended for temporary aesthetic improvements or for treating teeth in low-pressure areas, such as the front teeth, with a lifespan ranging from 3 to 10 years before necessitating maintenance.
Dental bonding may be advised for:
- Repairing chips or cracks
- Closing gaps between teeth
- Masking stains or discoloration
- Altering tooth shape for uniformity
- Shielding exposed root surfaces due to gum recession
Durability of Dental Bonding
On average, dental bonding on anterior teeth endures for about 4 to 8 years, with factors like placement, bite force, and dietary habits influencing its longevity. Around the 8-year mark, an evaluation is necessary to decide whether the bonding requires replacement or minor adjustments. While some factors affecting the bonding’s durability are beyond control, adopting careful eating habits and maintaining oral hygiene can significantly extend its life.
Maintenance of Bonded Teeth
Composite resin, the material used in bonding, is comparable in strength to natural teeth. It’s crucial to avoid habits that could jeopardize your teeth, such as chewing ice, biting on hard objects, or teeth grinding. For those who grind their teeth, a protective mouth guard might be a worthwhile investment. Bonding typically necessitates minimal preparation, and anesthesia is usually not required unless dealing with decay or existing restorations. To ensure the longevity of the bonding, it’s advisable to steer clear of hard foods and candies, and while whitening treatments don’t directly affect the resin, they may cause discrepancies in color between the natural tooth and the bonded area.
What to Expect from Bonding
The process begins with color selection using a shade guide, followed by tooth surface preparation through etching and application of a conditioning liquid to enhance the bond. The resin is then applied, sculpted, and solidified with ultraviolet light, concluding with any necessary refinements. Most single-tooth bonding procedures are completed within 30 to 60 minutes, though multiple sessions may be required for extensive treatments. Typically, no anesthesia is needed, allowing for immediate return to daily activities.
Preparing for Your Cosmetic Bonding Procedure
Little preparation is required from the patient’s side, with basic oral hygiene being sufficient. If a dental cleaning is due, scheduling it before the bonding procedure might be beneficial. The dentist will choose a resin shade closely matching your teeth, then proceed with the bonding by conditioning the tooth surface, applying the adhesive fluid, and molding the resin. The resin is then cured swiftly using UV light, completing the process.
For those in Rock Hill seeking expert cosmetic bonding services, Piedmont Dental is ready to assist. Contact us at (803) 328-3886 for further information or to schedule your appointment.
Maintenance
Dental bonding should be maintained the same way individuals should care for their teeth. They should brush their teeth twice daily, rinse with antimicrobial mouthwash, and floss once daily. They should also visit their dentist every 4-6 months.
Dental bonding is not as durable as other restorative treatments. As a result, unhealthy behaviors like chewing on nails, pencils, or ice, or using the bonded teeth as an opener, should be avoided. If the bonded tooth chips, call the dentist right away.
As long as the patient takes care of their bonded teeth, they can last for years.
Alternative Methods
Alternative procedures may be recommended for more extensive cosmetic concerns. Crowns and veneers are frequent alternatives to dental bonding.
CROWNS
Dental crowns are used to repair discolored, fractured teeth or teeth with root canals on them. A crown is a cap that covers a damaged tooth and matches the patient’s remaining healthy teeth. It is used to treat teeth that are fractured, dead, malformed, or discolored.
VENEERS
Veneers are made of ceramic and can be glued to the front of teeth. Veneers can fix damaged, deformed, discolored, crooked, or spaced teeth. The porcelain veneers are permanently adhered to the teeth. However, it is frequently a two-step process where the patient first receives temporary veneers and then returns for permanent veneers.
Piedmont Dental is located in Rock Hill, SC. Fill out our online form and we will contact you to arrange a consultation.