Cosmetic Dentistry

» Bonding

Bonding

Bonded composite is a special filling material that will restore, reshape and rejuvenate your teeth, improving both the function and the appearance of your smile. By applying a thin layer of tooth-colored plastic to the front of the tooth and sculpting it like clay, your dentist may use bonding to correct chipped or cracked teeth, broken or misshapen teeth, stained teeth or spaces between teeth. This process is commonly called "Bonding" when one or more front teeth are restored, or the color is changed using a bonded composite material. Bonded composites can also be used to replace old amalgam (silver) fillings to restore a tooth to its natural look and color. Composites have been a wonderful addition to dentistry and have become the only filling material used by Dr. Warren in his practice.

What is the bonding material made of?

The bonding material is a composite resin (plastic) that hardens and fuses to the tooth when your dentist shines a special light on it. Once in place, the bonding material is shaped to correct the specific problem at hand, colored to match your natural teeth, and polished until it's smooth.

What is the bonding process?

In the first step of the bonding process, Dr. Warren applies an etching solution to the tooth or teeth that will be receiving the bonding material; this gently roughens the surface of the tooth for a stronger bond between the tooth and the composite resin.

Next, Dr. Warren places a thin layer of the bonding resin on the surface of your tooth and seals it in place using a special light. Several layers of resin may be added and hardened in turn. Each layer takes only a few minutes to harden.

Then, your dentist sculpts the bonding material to the desired shape and colors it to match the shade of your natural teeth. Finally, the bonding material is polished until it is entirely smooth.

What are the different kinds of bonding available?

There are two main kinds of bonding: small, simple fillings like the ones described above that can be done in a single appointment. More complex and larger fillings sometimes require at least two appointments to be completely. In this case, a provisional (temporary) filling material is placed while Dr. Warren has an impression made of the tooth. A dental laboratory fabricates the composite resin and at a second appointment Dr. Warren bonds the permanent restoration in place. The major benefit of a laboratory composite resin is that tooth structure can be preserved without moving forward with a complete crown by having a customized shape and shade that matches the original shape of the tooth.

When it comes to "bonding", porcelain restorations are more natural-looking, stain-resistant and durable than ordinary bonded composites. However, bonded composite restorations are still great restorations for most individuals looking for a natural-looking and functional alternatives to the traditional amalgam (silver) fillings.

Will people be able to tell I've had bonding done?

Bonded teeth look and function just like your natural teeth. The bonding material can be colored as well as molded, so it is often possible to match the shade of your teeth. When bonding is performed by an experienced dentist, people won't be able to tell that you've had cosmetic work done on your teeth-except for how good your smile will look when the bonding is done!

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