Traditional dental restorations use to involve amalgam fillings, gold covered crowns, and metal bridges. Many modern dentists, with an eye for esthetics, are moving away from metal fillings and using tooth bonding, an alternative that closely resembles your natural teeth. A resin material can be bonded to your tooth, to reshape it, fill in gaps, or replace a worn out metal filling.
What is Tooth Bonding?
The bonding material is a resin that is applied to your teeth. Once applied, it is activated by a special light to harden, bonding it to your tooth. Tooth bonding is used to correct a variety of dental flaws, including:
- Fillings
- Resurfacing pitted teeth
- Reshaping teeth to fill in gaps or replace chipped teeth
Am I a good candidate for Tooth Bonding?
Since bonding is available for so many cosmetic and restorative dental procedures, most people are good candidates for dental bonding. Dr. White will carefully assess your particular needs and determine if bonding is the best option. Other options that might work better for your condition might include:
Bonding material is porous, so smokers who are unwilling to quit might not be good candidates for dental bonding.
What are the benefits of dental bonding?
Dental bonds are quickly applied in a single office visit. They look more natural than traditional metal fillings and can be color matched to the rest of your teeth, providing esthetic value to your smile.
How does the tooth bonding procedure work?
In some cases, where the dental bond is being used for repairing tooth decay, anesthesia may be required; however, in some cases it is not necessary. The basic procedure is:
- Dr. White matches the color of the bonding material to your natural tooth color
- The tooth surface is prepared with a mild abrasion and special conditioner
- The resin is applied and molded to the desired shape
- A special light is used to activate the resin to harden it
- The resin is polished to brighten it up
The procedure only takes about an hour per tooth, and you can be out the door with your new smile right away.
How long does the Tooth Bonding last?
With proper oral hygiene and care, your dental bond could last approximately ten years or more depending on the size and location of the bond.
To find out more answers to your dental bonding questions, please contact Tulsa, Oklahoma cosmetic dentist, Dr. Steven V. White to schedule an initial consultation.
|
