Bonding

What is Dental Bonding?

Dental Bonding involves the use of a durable resin to correct minor damage or address cosmetic issues with a tooth. The resin is the same type of material used for tooth-colored fillings and can be used to:

• Repair chips or cracks
• Close gaps between teeth
• Build up worn-down edges of teeth
• Sculpt tooth shape for cosmetic makeovers

Dental bonding is a fairly simple procedure that typically takes about 30–60 minutes to complete. Also, unlike crowns and veneers, the bonding material doesn’t need to be sent off to dental laboratories, making it a less expensive option for cosmetic treatments. 

What does dental bonding involve?

Once Dr. Lanie has matched the color of the resin to the tooth, the bonding treatment will begin with the isolation of the tooth being treated by the use of a rubber dam. Depending on how extensive the treatment will be an anesthetic may also be used.

To prepare the surface of the tooth, it will be etched briefly with a phosphoric acid solution, after which a liquid bonding agent will be applied. The etching allows for a stronger bond between the resin and the tooth.

When first applied, the bonding material is putty-like, allowing Dr. Lanie to sculpt the shape. When the resin has been crafted into the desired shape, a curing light will be used to harden it. The process is then repeated with another layer of bonding, slowly building up until the final shape has been attained. Dr. Lanie will ensure that the material is firmly bonded, and will trim and polish the resin so that it is smooth and flush with the tooth. 

There may be some minor tooth sensitivity immediately after the treatment, but this should be short-lived.