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Bonding
Dental bonding
is a procedure in which a tooth-colored
resin material (a durable plastic material)
is applied and hardened with a special
light, which ultimately "bonds" the material
to the tooth to restore or improve person's
smile.
For What Conditions Is Dental Bonding
Considered?
Dental bonding is an option that can be
considered:
- To repair decayed teeth (composite resins are used to fill
cavities)
- To repair chipped or cracked teeth
- To improve the appearance of discolored teeth
- To close spaces between teeth
- To make teeth look longer
- To change the shape of teeth
- As a cosmetic alternative to amalgam fillings
- To protect a portion of the tooth's root that has been exposed
when gums recede
What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages
of Dental Bonding?
Advantages:
Dental bonding is among the easiest and
least expensive of cosmetic dental
procedures. Unlike veneers and crowns, which
are customized tooth coverings that must be
manufactured in a laboratory, bonding
usually can be done in one office visit
unless several teeth are involved. Another
advantage, compared with veneers and crowns,
is that the least amount of tooth enamel is
removed. Also, unless dental bonding is
being performed to fill a cavity, anesthesia
is usually not required.
Disadvantages:
Although the material used in dental bonding
is somewhat stain resistant, it does not
resist stains as well as crowns. Another
disadvantage is that the bonding materials
do not last as long nor are as strong as
other restorative procedures, such as
crowns, veneers, or fillings. Additionally,
bonding materials can chip and break off the
tooth.
Because of some of the limitations of dental
bonding, some dentists view it as best
suited for small cosmetic changes, for
temporary correction of cosmetic defects,
and for correction of teeth in areas of very
low bite pressure (for example, front
teeth). Consult with your dentist about the
best cosmetic approach for your particular
problem.
Acknowledgement: Information above is
courtesy of WebMD. |
