Bonding
If you have chips, cracks or gaps in your teeth or would simply like to improve your smile, a procedure called bonding can quickly and comfortably improve your appearance. Bonding uses tooth-colored materials (called composite resins) to repair chips or cracks or transform gaps into an attractive, natural-looking smile.
  Uses of Bonding
Bonding is a term used to describe a number of procedures that involve applying composite resins to the tooth. It can be used strictly for cosmetic purposes or to repair cracked and chipped teeth, or protect the teeth against decay. Regardless of its use, bonding can provide an attractive result. Listed below are some common uses of bonding.
  • Closing gaps and repairing chips and cracks
    Composite resins are used to close small gaps between front teeth and used to repair some chips and cracks. This procedure readily improves your appearance and can help protect damaged teeth.
  • Protecting exposed roots
    Composite resins are also used to protect exposed tooth roots, which commonly result from gum recession. Because roots are covered by dentin, a softer tissue than enamel, they are more susceptible to decay, wear and erosion. Composite resins (in combination with adhesive resins are applied to the tooth roots to prevent decay. They also help prevent sensitivity to temperature extremes which occur when tooth roots are left exposed.
  • Restoring tooth decay
    Composite resins may be used to fill small cavities. Because composites are tooth-colored, they are usually preferred for front teeth. In fact, they are almost impossible to distinguish from the natural tooth.
Treatment of Peg-Shaped Teeth
 
Before   After


  Procedure
Bonding is often completed in one visit and does not require the use of anesthesia or drilling. The process involves preparing the tooth surface with an etching solution that allows the composite resins to adhere. To match your teeth, various color resins are carefully blended so the bonded tooth will look natural. The resin is applied, contoured into the proper shape and hardened using a special light or chemical process. It is then smoothed and polished to appear natural. Sometimes a follow-up appointment will be required for final polishing and finishing.
  Tips to keep in mind!
Because bonding material is not as strong as the natural tooth enamel, it can chip and may have to be replaced periodically. Bonded areas of the tooth are also prone to stain. For these reasons, bonding requires careful home and professional maintenance.
You can help maintain your bonding by following these tips:
  • Avoid acids (such as vinegar, tomatoes or pineapples) and alcohol which can damage the resin.
  • Avoid items that can stain bonding material such as cigarettes, coffee, tea, and berries.
  • Do not put excess pressure on the resins. Chewing ice, popcorn kernels and hard candy can cause damage.
Treatment of a Chipped Tooth
 
Before   After