Dental Bonding; the Drill-less Dentistry

Overtime, daily habits can take a toll on the health of our teeth, causing them to become damaged or weakened. This can lead to a variety of cosmetic and functional issues including chips, cracks, and discoloration or staining. For patients who wish to correct these issues, but do not want to undergo more invasive treatments, such as the placement of porcelain veneers, dental bonding is a welcomed solution. This simple procedure involves applying a tooth-coloured resin to the natural teeth in order to conceal imperfections. Dental bonding can also be used to lengthen the teeth or fill in gaps to give a unified, attractive look.

As there have been amazing developments over recent years in tooth coloured filling materials and the adhesives used with this material. A wide variety of problems can be fixed with this material.

Composite bonding is direct veneering whereby tooth coloured, composite filling material is applied to your teeth in the surgery. It will change the shape, and contour of your teeth to improve your smile. It is less destructive to your teeth than indirect veneers and crowns. Composite bonding can be quicker and less expensive than laboratory made products.

Sometimes the teeth don’t form fully and have less than ideal shape and bonding can be used to correct this without progressing to a veneer or crown. Dental bonding can also be used to close spaces between teeth or to build up worn teeth and this is invariably successful with a very natural appearance.

Composite tooth bonding can even be used in some circumstances over the whole front surface of a tooth – this is called a composite veneer and allows the dentist to change the surface of a tooth in just one visit. It is not unusual for this procedure to be performed without the need for a local anaesthetic.

Dental bonding is virtually pain free and is also beneficial in that it leaves as much of your natural tooth intact as possible. Once a proper tooth bonding resin colour is selected, the tooth is prepared for the dental bonding. This is done by “scuffing” the surface of the tooth and then adding a special liquid to give the dental tooth bonding resin a proper surface to adhere to. Once prepped, the dental bonding resin is applied and formed to the appropriate shape. A powerful light is used to harden the tooth bonding composite resin material. The tooth bonding is then polished and made to match your other teeth.

How is a tooth bonded?

Tooth bonding is usually a one-visit procedure. The tooth is prepared by lightly roughening the area to be repaired, which doesn't require anaesthetic. The surface of the tooth is then etched with a gel, and a treatment of bonding primers and resins is applied to the tooth. Dental composites are made to a paste-like consistency so that they can be sculpted to the proper shape and applied. 

They contain various pigments that are matched to your tooth colour, and they come in varying degrees of translucency. This composite is applied to your tooth, sometimes in several layers in order to duplicate the depth of colour that occurs in a natural tooth. A high-intensity curing light is then used to harden it. With the latest dental technology, a skilled dentist can mimic the colour details and translucency of your tooth for a natural, healthy appearance.

How long will tooth bonding last?

The technology of composite tooth bonding materials is wonderful as far as the beauty that it can bring to your teeth. There are some limitations to the materials of which you need to be aware. How long bonding lasts depends on many factors that are unique to the individual. Many people will go for ten or fifteen years and have the bonding look as good as the day it was put in. Some people will get staining on the margins of the bonding after one or two years and will need some touch-up work. If you take care of it well, it would be unusual to ever have to replace it, but some touch-up work would be normal after three to five years.

Current trends in dentistry reflect our patients’ desire for long-lasting treatments that also look great. At Lane Ends Dental Practice, our cosmetic dentists recognize that all forms of dental care are directly related to appearance, and we strive to help our patients achieve the very best in function and aesthetics when it comes to their smiles. Research shows that people with healthy smiles are more likely to be hired for jobs, be respected for their opinions, and have higher levels of self-confidence. As materials, techniques, and technology improve, we are increasingly able to provide subtle yet effective treatments that look beautiful and blend perfectly.

Cosmetic Bonding requires quite a lot of ‘artistic skill’ on behalf of the dentist and not all dentists carry out cosmetic bonding.

Learn More about Dental Bonding ;

For patients who are unhappy with the appearance of their teeth, dental bonding can provide a needed boost to their smile. To learn more about the dental bonding procedure, contact our dental practice in Preston on 01772 – 726932 to schedule a consultation