You might have thought at least once in your life about why your teeth are so strong. You can chew anything with them or even bite your nails (although that’s not a good habit), but still, your teeth remain the strongest.
So, what is the exact thing which keeps them strong? This is none other than the strongest material produced in your body, i.e., Enamel. Over time and due to some unwanted reasons, the enamel decays, and so you need to go for the teeth bonding to get your naturally beautiful smile back.
This post will discuss everything about teeth bonding, including the procedure, pros, and cons, and answer your general questions. Let’s begin.
What is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding has the solution to your half-broken, decayed, or chipped tooth. This is actually done by sticking your tooth-colored plastic material with your actual tooth. The material is fixed with an UltraViolet light which keeps the material affixed, and so the results last longer.
Dental bonding for gaps between the teeth is also common these days.
Why Do People Go For Dental Bonding?
Going for dental bonding is a good decision and has a long-lasting impact. Many people go for tooth bonding to have a pleasing smile, but bonding can be done for the below reasons as well:
- When a tooth is almost decayed due to cavities, then dental bonding can help after going through a prescribed procedure for eliminating the cavity.
- If the tooth is cracked or almost broken.
- When the teeth alignment is not correct, and some of the teeth give a bad look.
- If the teeth have a gap that reflects while smiling.
- When teeth are so small, you want to increase their size.
- When you feel like the shape of the teeth needs to be changed.
- It can prove to be a good substitute for fillings.
- When the gums have gone a bit away from their original position, bonding protects the tooth’s root.
Let’s have a detailed look into the procedure of Dental Bonding.
Procedure for Dental Bonding
As you already know that bonding can be done for many purposes. You do not need to do a lot of research and take time to think about it. Due to the advanced technology, the bonding process has become a lot easier.
For example, you may not even require an anesthesia injection in many scenarios. Mostly, an anesthetic is needed when bonding is done to fill a decayed tooth or after eliminating the cavities. Also, if the part of your tooth that requires a change is almost near the nerve, you may need an anesthesia injection. Remember, the injection makes the process easier and less painful.
- The dentist takes out a shade guide and a composite material that nearly matches your tooth color. Composite is a long-lasting material and is mainly made with plastic.
- Your tooth is scratched to make its surface a bit rough, and then a liquid material is put into the tooth. This step makes sure that the composite material sticks to your tooth.
- After that, the tooth-like material is applied, and with great care, the dentist tries to smooth it and give it the exact shape you like.
- An UltraViolet light is taken out, and the dentist turns the light towards the bonded tooth. This light permanently bonds the material on your actual tooth.
- In the last step, the dentist gives it a final touch and tries to match the rest of your teeth in terms of shape and structure.
- If you think the dentist didn’t give your tooth the exact shape, then no worries. You can get back to the same dentist, and he will provide the desired shape to even the dry tooth.
You are done! In most cases, this procedure takes less than an hour. We highly recommend you go for a known and experienced dentist to enjoy the best outcome. Also, always discuss your problem with the dentist.
Many dentists do not prefer dental bonding if tooth surgery is required. There are chances that bonding doesn’t go well on a certain tooth area.
How to Take Care of Bonded Teeth?
Whether they are bonded or not, taking care of teeth is equally important. You must follow all oral hygiene processes, i.e., brushing your teeth properly. Always brush your teeth two times a day and floss once a day.
If you notice any change in your teeth or pain, never ignore them. Keep in touch with an experienced dentist and make sure you go through cleaning processes from them twice a year.
Always remember, bonding is never as hard as our actual enamel is. It can be chipped and broken more easily. Take special care and make sure you do not do the below things:
- Taking your nails in your mouth and biting them.
- Chewing any hard thing like pens or anything that you usually do.
- Stop having candies that stick to your tooth.
- Try avoiding hard food items such as ice etc.
- Never rip the tape with your bonded tooth.
- Do not use the bonded tooth to open the cap of your bottle.
- Take less coffee or colored material as composite doesn’t resist the stains and may get one easily.
- If you smoke, then leave as this will quickly harm it and may lead to a gum disorder.
Also, keep an eye on your bonded tooth; if you feel like it is getting chipped or cracked, then see your dentist. If you feel that your bonded tooth is fading or has some stain, then get it examined. Your dentist may replace it as composite is hard to get a whitening treatment. Such whitening treatments help change the color of your teeth but not the bonded ones.
How Long Does Tooth Bonding Last?
It all depends on how much you take care of it and how much bonding was done on your actual tooth. As explained in the above section, if you take good care, then bonding can last up to 10 to 15 long years. After that, you can go to replace them.
Let’s talk about the pros and cons of tooth bonding.
Pros of Tooth Bonding
It’s always important to know about the good outcome of any treatment. Let’s see what the advantages of having dental bonding are:
- Most dental treatments require a lot of time as the structure needs to be developed in the medical labs, for example, veneers and crowns. But for dental bonding, you can get it done in just an hour.
- Dental bonding doesn’t require removing much of the enamel as other dental processes require
- You can go for bonding to eliminate any cavity, and you may not need anesthesia for it.
- Usually, dental processes require a lot of money, but dental bonding doesn’t. It‘s very cost-efficient. Very less expensive among all the dental treatments.
Cons of Dental Bonding
- The composite does not withstand the stains as enamel does. So if you are a tea or a coffee lover, take special care.
- If we talk about dental bonding vs veneers or crowns, then the tooth with dental bonding may be cracked or chipped soon.
Conclusion
Dental bonding is more like giving your tooth a proper and better-looking shape. You may want to get this bonding if you’re going to have bigger teeth or get some specialized alignment of the teeth. That’s why I always choose an experienced dental surgeon for dental bonding.
Look for the dental bonding before and after pictures of patients who get the dental bonding from the same dentist. This dental procedure doesn’t suit all dental problems, so we recommend you always ask your dentist about your situation.
Above all, This treatment will help you get your beautiful smile back, and being happiest is the step towards a better life.
FAQs
1. Is the dental bonding procedure painful?
Many people say it to be a painful process, but now it’s not. Maybe your case won’t require having a pain killer.
2. What is dental bonding made of?
Dental Bonding is generally made of a stiff composite plastic material and is hardened using UV light.
3. Can I eat casually after a bonded tooth?
The best part is you do not need to wait or stop eating from that specific bonded tooth side. You can eat or drink right after getting the procedure done. You may feel that your tooth is getting more sensitive to cold and hot food.
4. Can a cracked tooth be bonded?
Of course. Why not? Dental bonding is done to repair your cracked or almost broken tooth. A unique composite is applied to your tooth and then bonded using a UV light. Taking good care of your bonded tooth can help it last more.
5. Do teeth whitening needed before bonding?
You should go for a whitening procedure before having a bonded tooth. We do not recommend whitening treatment after getting a bonded tooth in the next two weeks.
