DENTAL BONDING
Cracked, decayed, chipped or otherwise
unattractive teeth can be repaired through several types of
procedures, including direct bonding,
dental veneers
or dental
crowns. The dentist will evaluate the extent of your
cosmetic and/or functional defect in order to determine the
appropriate treatment plan for your tooth.
DENTAL BONDING
OPTIONS
Direct Bonding for Minimal
Flaws: Direct bonding may be the right choice for a
minimally damaged tooth, particularly for a front tooth. While
certain adults may be candidates for direct bonding, the process
is the optimal restorative option for children under the age of
18. Also, the dentist may recommend a direct bonded veneer if you
are including a
dental/smile makeover in your treatment plan.
Bonding for Significant Damage:
Veneers
may be recommended as part of a treatment for more significant
adult imperfections and may be included as part of a smile
makeover or cosmetic dentistry treatment plan. A porcelain veneer
may serve as the material choice for bonding in a smile makeover
case.
Bonding for Large Imperfections:
In cases where a defect cannot be repaired adequately with a
veneer or through direct bonding, the dentist may recommend a
dental
crown. A crown can be attached to the tooth through the
bonding or cementing process.
BONDING PROCESS
During the bonding process, the damaged
tooth is isolated. Tooth isolation is critical to the success of
bonding techniques because it prevents moisture from interfering
with the process.
Following tooth isolation, a gentle
phosphoric acid (this does not produce discomfort) is applied to
the natural tooth surface. This "acid etching" of the tooth
surface enhances the bonding strength of the resin. After 15
seconds, the phosphoric acid is removed and a liquid bonding resin
is applied. A putty-like composite resin is placed in stages on
the natural surface of the tooth, where it is shaped and cured
into place with a blue light. The process is repeated in layers
until the resin has achieved its final shape and form.
The bonding process is sensitive to each
dentist’s technique, so the dentist must follow the steps
diligently and produce an appropriate finish to ensure that the
bonded resin does not fall off or cause tooth sensitivity. It is
not uncommon for a bonded tooth to feel sensitive after treatment.
This minor sensitivity is often short-lived; however, if
sensitivity persists, it is recommended that you schedule a
follow-up appointment with the dentist. Usually, the bonding
process is not associated with complications.
