Dental Bonding FAQ’s

Dental bonding is a procedure often used in cosmetic dentistry to help people improve their smiles. It is one of the more affordable options, and it can be used to address a wide range of oral issues like a stained, discolored, cracked, broken, or chipped tooth. Bonding is also one of the more affordable treatments that can be used to improve the appearance and functionality of a tooth.

A damaged tooth can ruin your smile, and it can also chip away at your self-esteem. Thanks to dental bonding, the condition of your teeth can be restored with a simple visit to the dentist's office.

Let's take a look at some questions that patients often ask about this cosmetic dentistry procedure:

What is dental bonding?

This refers to a treatment where special composites are used to repair a damaged tooth. The composite is typically soft when it is applied to the tooth, then it is reshaped and adjusted for the desired look. The composite is then hardened using an ultraviolet light.

Can this procedure be used to address all oral issues?

Tooth bonding can be used to address a wide range of dental issues like breaks, fractures, and discoloration, but it does have limits. For example, dental bonding alone can't be used to address issues like an infected tooth. However, bonding can be used once a root canal has been performed to protect the tooth.

How longs does this cosmetic dentistry treatment last?

Composite bonds can last as long as 10 years if the patient practices good oral hygiene. Touch up treatments are often done once a dentist notices the patient's bonding is wearing off.

Will others be able to tell that the tooth was bonded?

The composites used for tooth bonding are designed to look just like natural teeth, so it is impossible for others to detect a tooth repair.

Is dental bonding similar to veneers?

Absolutely not. These are two completely different procedures. Veneers are thin shells that are used to cover the front of a tooth. They serve as a mask that hides any imperfections on the front of the tooth. Veneers offer no protection or improved aesthetics for the rest of the tooth. In addition, a small portion of enamel is often removed from the tooth in preparation for a veneer. This is done to make the veneer look natural in your mouth. Veneers are a permanent solution, while dental bonding is not

Dental bonding doesn't require the removal of any part of the tooth and it is completely reversible.

Does dental bonding require multiple visits to the dentist?

Not at all. Tooth bonding requires no more than a single visit to the dentist. The procedure typically lasts around 30 minutes per tooth.

Does a tooth repaired with bonding require specialized cleaning?

Absolutely not. Taking care of a tooth that has had a composite bond applied to it is no different than taking care of your natural teeth. Floss daily, brush twice a day, use mouthwash to clean the tight spaces in your mouth, and visit your dentist twice a year.

Wondering if you're a good candidate for dental bonding? Schedule a consultation with one of our dentists today!

Request an appointment in our Carmel dentist office here: https://www.carmelsmilesdentist.com.