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What Is Dental Bonding, and How Does It Work?

What Is Dental Bonding, and How Does It Work?

Have you chipped your tooth, noticed some little gaps between your teeth, or just wished that your smile appeared a little more aesthetic? Remember the term dental bonding. It’s an aesthetic procedure that is relatively straightforward and inexpensive, and can improve your overall smile without the burden of heavier dental work. If you are looking for dental bonding near you, consider visiting a trusted local clinic that offers personalized care and helps you feel confident about your smile.

Let’s take a closer look at the dental bonding process and what to expect throughout treatment, during treatment, and after treatment.

What is Dental Bonding?

Dental bonding is a simple cosmetic procedure performed by your dentist where a tooth-coloured resin is used to repair minor imperfections in your teeth, such as chips, cracks, small gaps between teeth, discoloration of teeth, and even somewhat misshapen teeth. The resin is shaped by the dentist and then polished to mimic your surrounding teeth, making it indistinguishable. 

These types of aesthetic procedures are frequently performed on front teeth, since such procedures can considerably improve the appearance of a smile in just one visit. 

How Does Dental Bonding Work?

Here’s what usually happens during the bonding process:

  • Preparation: Your dentist will first select a resin shade to closely match the colour of your teeth. There is usually no need for anesthesia until bonding is used to fill a decayed tooth.
  • Tooth surface prep: The tooth is lightly roughened, and a special liquid is applied. This helps the resin stick better.
  • Application: Once the surface preparation is finished, the dentist will layer in tooth-coloured resin. The dentist will carefully shape and smooth the resin to mimic the natural appearance of your tooth.
  • Sealing with Light: The resin is fixed with resin-specific ultraviolet lighting treatment lamps, and the resin is closed in position. 
  • Finishing: After the resin is fixed, the dentist will give it a trim, polish and shape to ensure that it seems right in the mouth.

The process ordinarily takes between 30 and 60 minutes per tooth.

Is Dental Bonding Right for You? 

Dental bonding is an effective option if you:

  • Want to repair a chipped or cracked tooth 
  • Have small spaces between your teeth 
  • Want to improve or enhance the shape of a tooth 
  • Want to cover stains or discoloration 

It is ideal for someone looking for a quick cosmetic fix and does not want to invest the time or money in veneers or crowns. 

How Long Does Dental Bonding Last?

It depends on your habits and oral hygiene. On average, bonding will last between 3 and 10 years. To extend the life of your bonding: Do not bite down on hard items like ice or pens. Don’t gnaw on nails. Brush and floss regularly. Go for routine checkups with a dentist in Strathcona. Bonding is nowhere near as strong as a natural tooth or a crown, so gentle treatment can greatly extend the length of time your bonded tooth will last.

What Can You Expect from Dental Bonding Before and After?

Before bonding, your tooth may be chipped, uneven, or discoloured. After bonding, the tooth is more even and smooth, and the colour is closer to your other teeth. You may be surprised at the effect a little touch-up can make. The difference can range from subtle to dramatic, depending on the defect, but it ultimately makes a confident smile.

Brighten Your Smile with Strathcona Dental Choice

If you want to enhance your smile and feel more confident each day, dental bonding may be the answer you’ve been searching for. At Strathcona Dental Choice, we’re committed to educating you on your options and walking you through each aspect of your treatment in a compassionate setting.

Whether it’s repairing a chipped tooth or filling in a small gap, we’d be happy to assist you in determining what can be accomplished with dental bonding. Schedule an appointment today and begin taking the first steps along the road to the smile you’ve always desired.

Call or come by Strathcona Dental Choice today; your smile shines brighter here!

825-451-0803