Can Dental Bonding Save Your Tooth?

Dental bonding is extremely versatile. Dentists use it for cosmetic reasons or to improve the overall functioning of a tooth or teeth. Take a closer look at what this procedure is and the conditions it addresses.

Dental bonding explained

Dental bonding is a procedure that uses composite resin material to build upon a tooth so that it may look natural. Composite resin is tooth-colored, which the dentist can help closely match the shade of the natural teeth for a seamless finish. It is also durable enough to simulate the strength of a natural tooth.

There are three types of dental bonding available:

Direct dental bonding

Unlike alternative smile restorations, dental bonding only requires one appointment, lasting anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. It involves applying the composite resin directly to the target tooth. The dentist prepares the natural tooth by etching it, creating a rough surface on the enamel. This helps the composite material bond more securely. The dentist then applies the composite material in layers, slowly building it to the correct thickness. After shaping it as desired, they will harden the material before coaching the patient through a bite test to ensure no issues. Finally, they will polish it to provide a smooth or sleek finish.

Indirect dental bonding

Indirect dental bonding requires two appointments. The first involves taking impressions of the patient's mouth. An offsite lab will create a custom replica of the natural teeth using composite resin materials. The replica will take approximately two weeks to craft and send back to the office. During the second appointment, the dentist will likely perform the same etching process in direct dental bonding. However, they will secure the replica onto the tooth or teeth instead of layering the composite material.

Composite veneer bonding

Composite resin can make shells, like veneers. Veneers are tooth-shaped, thin restorations that cover the front of teeth. This form of dental bonding also requires two trips to the dental office. The first involves removing the enamel from the front of the teeth. After taking an impression of the mouth, an offsite location will create a replica. Like indirect dental bonding, the replica will take approximately two weeks to complete and return to the office. The second involves cementing the veneers into place.

Conditions dental bonding addresses

Dental bonding can address numerous issues. Whether cosmetic or functional. Therefore, if a patient has:

• Cracks or chips
• Different sized teeth
• Discoloration
• Misshapen teeth
• Gaps
• Teeth that appear to be shorter or smaller

While the majority of the list is cosmetic, the primary area of concern is for patients with cracks or chips. While chips or tiny cracks can seem harmless at face value, especially if no pain is involved, they can become problematic over time.

With constant pressure from the patient's natural bite force, mixed with the constant textures of food, these cracks can reach down past the enamel and into the pulp chamber or tooth roots. The pulp chamber houses the nerves and connective tissue, and if compromised, it can cause extreme pain and eventually death of the tooth. Dental bonding stops this from happening by not only restoring its look but also its protection, as it can last between three and ten years with proper care.