Dental Bonding: Procedure and Aftercare
About 60% of the adults in our country are not excited about their smiles. Flaws such as chips, stains, spaces, etc., hinder many people from having a stunning smile. These dental flaws will affect your dental aesthetics and oral health. However, it would help if you didn’t walk around with a tight-lipped smile when we have dental bonding in Oak Lawn, IL.
Dental bonding is an innovative treatment that deals with minor cosmetic dental issues. It is a quick and painless procedure that will revamp your smile in a heartbeat.
Do you want to know more about dental bonding? If you are curious, keep reading.
Dental Bonding: A Sneak Peak
Bonding in dentistry is performed by our dentist by using composite resin (tooth-colored plastic) to repair discolored, chipped, and cracked teeth.
The dental treatment derives its name from the procedure since the composite resin or plastic is “bonded” to your tooth’s surface. Composite resin has always been the go-to option in dental bonding since it is pliable (can be shaped) and can be polished to give it a sheen to look like a natural tooth.
Dental bonding near you is not only about dealing with cosmetic issues but also structural issues. Cracks can lead to fractures or even exposure to the roots, which increases the risk of infection. You can also lose your tooth when there is a fracture or if the tooth breaks off.
Our dentist near you can use dental bonding in two distinct ways:
- Direct composite bonding, where the composite resin is used to correct dental flaws
- Adhesive bonding, where the composite resin is used to attach veneers, crowns, and dental bridges
Do You Need Dental Bonding?
You can be the perfect candidate for dental bonding if you wish to:
- Close the gaps between your teeth
- Elongate your teeth
- Need to reshape your teeth
- Repair cracked or chipped teeth
- Cover the space left after the gum recession
- Use composite resin as fillings after removing cavities
You must remember that if you desire to go for dental bonding, your primary goal should be to solve a cosmetic issue. If you have an issue that has compromised your tooth structure, such as fractures, you might need a more sturdy dental restoration.
The Dental Bonding Procedure
The good thing about dental bonding is that it is a straightforward procedure that needs just a few moments of your time, and your teeth will be as good as new. Here’s how it’s carried out:
Preparation
The simplistic nature of the procedure makes the dental appointment way easier. You don’t need to prepare beforehand; you only need a lunch break, and your smile will be renewed. The procedure is also non-invasive, so you need not worry about anesthesia. Our dentist can only administer the anesthesia if you use composite resin as a filing, a crack is close to the nerve, or your tooth needs reshaping.
Bonding
Our dentist will need to roughen your tooth’s surface to ensure that the composite resin bonds properly. The roughening process is accomplished using a conditioning liquid. After the tooth is rough, our dentist will use a shade guide to pick the color for the composite resin. The correct shade is usually the one that closely matches your teeth’s color.
Once our dentist identifies the correct shade, the next step will be to apply the composite resin to your teeth. After successfully applying the resin, our dentist will shape and smooth it and then cure it under a special light. It will take a few moments for the resin to harden, then our dentist will finesse the bonding by trimming, shaping, and polishing it.
Polishing ensures that the bonded teeth have a natural sheen that matches the rest of your teeth. Once the polishing is done, your teeth will be flawless.
How to Care for Bonded Teeth
The composite resin used in bonding isn’t as sturdy as your teeth, so it might crack, chip, or even get stained much faster than most materials. You will need to be extra cautious when you care for them. Some things you can do may include:
- Brushing twice each day after meals
- Flossing after meals, even though it is done at least once a day
- Avoid smoking since you will stain your teeth
- Avoid chewing or biting hard foods since composite resin cracks or chips much faster
- Indulge less often in foods and drinks that cause stains, such as coffee, curry, red wine, etc.
- If you notice that the bonded teeth have sharp edges, contact our office immediately.
Dental bonding can last four years and serve you for up to a decade with proper care. So, if you are considering going down this road, contact us at Forrest Tower DDS to schedule an appointment.