Many patients have dental bonding procedures for cosmetic reasons. However, the treatment is also sometimes used to strengthen teeth that are chipped, cracked, decayed, or have exposed roots.
Dental bonding is done with a composite resin that a dentist has color-matched to the natural teeth. The dentist roughens the tooth surface and then applies a conditioning liquid before applying the composite resin material to the surface of one or more teeth. The dentist completes the process by shaping or molding the tooth and then hardening the material with ultraviolet light. The dentist may do more shaping after the material has hardened to achieve the desired appearance.
Dental bonding can be used to treat several conditions:
Dental bonding procedures can usually be completed in one visit. The procedure requires less enamel to be removed from the teeth than alternative procedures, such as veneers and crowns. When used to fill cavities, it strengthens the tooth while also providing a more natural appearance than metallic fillings.
The resin used in dental bonding procedures is not as strong as healthy natural teeth or the materials used to manufacture other restorations, such as veneers, crowns, and fillings. It may chip or break. Patients can reduce these risks with proper care. Dentists often mitigate the risk of damage by reserving the treatment for teeth that experience low bite pressure.
The material used for dental bonding can stain. Avoiding substances that are prone to causing stains, such as coffee, tea, wine, and cigarette smoke, can reduce the risk of stains occurring. An oral care routine that includes twice-daily brushing, flossing once per day, and regular dental visits can extend the life of dental bonding.
Additionally, patients are advised to avoid chewing on hard objects, such as ice, pens, fingernails, nuts, and hard candy. Wearing a mouthguard when playing sports can protect against impact damage. A nightguard can prevent damage from teeth grinding during sleep. Rinsing with water after eating acidic foods can also be protective.
Most bonding materials need to be replaced or touched up after three to 10 years. However, the length of time depends on how well the patient cares for their teeth and the extent of the bonding that was done.
Dental bonding is a useful dental treatment for simple repairs of damaged teeth in parts of the mouth that experience low bite pressure. Due to the chance that the material could chip or break, the procedure is recommended for patients who are willing to take measures to protect their dental work from stains and other types of damage. Patients who are unwilling or unable to modify their lifestyle to protect the dental work may want to consider alternative treatments.
Request an appointment here: https://www.elmstfamilydental.com or call Elm Street Family Dental at (541) 393-9196 for an appointment in our Albany office.
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