Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is a commonly used procedure in aesthetic dentistry. It aims to correct discoloration, improve shape, and repair minor cracks or breaks in teeth, thereby resolving aesthetic issues. It is also employed to close gaps between teeth in cases of diastema.

The bonding process does not require the removal of tooth tissue. Simply roughening the surface of the tooth to be bonded is sufficient. This makes it an important method in preventive dentistry.

Bonding is tooth-friendly, holding significant importance in aesthetic dentistry and should be performed by an experienced dentist. The success of the bonding procedure depends on the patient’s oral hygiene and the dentist’s skill since the procedure involves aesthetically correcting issues in a way that blends seamlessly with the existing tooth color and texture. It is a delicate and meticulous process.

Advantages of Bonding

Bonding is one of the most conservative treatments in aesthetic dentistry. The biggest advantage is that it requires no removal of the tooth structure. Typically, the procedure can be applied to several teeth in a single session. In cases where there are gaps between teeth, bonding can also be used to close these spaces. Compared to alternative treatments like laminates and zirconium applications, bonding is generally more cost-effective.

Most patients do not even require local anesthesia for the procedure. The longevity of the treatment is directly linked to the patient’s oral hygiene. With proper and diligent oral care, the results can last a lifetime.

How is Bonding Done?

After deciding to proceed with bonding, the need for local anesthesia is assessed. Although anesthesia is often not necessary for the bonding process, it may be important for patient comfort when removing discolored old fillings.

Depending on the dentist’s preference, a rubber dam may be used for the bonding procedure. This isolates the teeth being treated from the rest of the mouth and the gum tissue. After isolation, the tooth surface is roughened, and adhesive agents are applied to achieve polymerization. The filling material is layered onto the tooth in the most suitable manner and then polymerized. After the layering of the filling is complete, the tooth is polished to prevent discoloration and ensure smoothness. The polishing process plays a significant role in the long-term success of the procedure. Sometimes, patients may be called back a week later for a repeat polishing.

Duration of Bonding Process

Generally, the bonding process can treat multiple teeth in a single session. The total duration depends on the number of teeth, the color of the teeth, the nature of the problem, patient cooperation, and the speed of the dentist. Typically, single-session treatments last no more than 1.5 to 2 hours, with 30 to 60 minutes spent on each tooth. Treatments involving multiple teeth may be spread over several sessions.

After the bonding process is completed, patients are often called back a week later for another polishing session to prevent long-term discoloration.

Does Bonding Discolor Teeth?

The longevity of the bonding is directly linked to the patient’s oral hygiene. Just like natural teeth, bonded teeth can discolor from beverages like tea and coffee. Those who consume such products frequently may experience color changes.

With a well-executed polishing by the dentist and careful consumption of colored foods and diligent oral hygiene by the patient, teeth treated with bonding can remain discoloration-free for many years.