Frisco Dental Bonding

Bonding is a general dentistry treatment that can be used in both tooth repair and aesthetics to enhance the appearance of a tooth or teeth. It is a simple technique and sometimes can be done with little or no anesthetic, depending on the circumstances.

In the case of tooth repair, bonding is used to basically “glue” parts of a tooth back together again. This is the case when a tooth has a clean crack that can be repaired. It is also used when part of a tooth breaks off cleanly and is able to be bonded back into place.

Bonding material is also used to build up a tooth that has been broken and the missing part cannot be bonded back onto the tooth. In this case, a composite material is used to build up the structure of the tooth restoring it to its original appearance. When a tooth is chipped, this method of repair is often used to restore it. If you are in need of a dental bonding treatment, contact our Frisco dentist today!

Cosmetic Dental Bonding

Bonding is also used for aesthetic purposes. Sometimes a tooth or teeth can be so discolored that whitening is not effective. These teeth may look dark or mottled, or a tooth may have a spot of discoloration on it that affects your smile. In these situations, dental bonding may be the answer for providing uniform color to all the teeth involved or can make that one tooth match the rest of your teeth.

The procedure for cosmetic dental bonding is simply overlaying the tooth or teeth with the preferred color bonding material. This process yields a brighter, uniform look to all the teeth. When dental veneers are not advisable, cosmetic dental bonding is a nice alternative.

What Is the Dental Bonding Process?

The dental bonding process begins with a consultation with Dr. Vashisht, who will assess the cosmetic imperfections that you want to address and evaluate your oral health. If you don’t have any severe damage or oral health problems and your cosmetic preferences can be achieved through bonding, then we will schedule you for a bonding appointment.

Because the actual bonding process does not require any drilling or removal of enamel, anesthetic is typically not necessary, as the procedure is painless. However, some patients have an exposed nerve that can cause them discomfort and other patients may want to receive tooth contouring before we apply the bonding material so that we can file down sharp or long teeth and change their tooth shape. 

In this case, we will administer a local anesthetic so you don’t feel any discomfort. Tooth contouring involves filing down the tooth with a dental drill to achieve the desired tooth shape and size. The resin is matched to your natural tooth shade so it blends in with your smile. 

In preparation for bonding, we will etch your tooth by roughening the surface of the enamel and applying an acidic solution that helps the bonding material stick. Then, composite resin is layered and molded onto the tooth. 

We will expose it to UV light to cure it, which hardens it on contact. Once the bonding has hardened, we can continue to trim and shape your tooth. The entire bonding process takes about 30 minutes to an hour per tooth.

How Long Does Dental Bonding Last?

On average, it lasts for 3 to 10 years, but with proper care and precaution, bonding can last for a good 10 years. Ultimately, the lifespan of your bonding depends on many factors, such as the location of your bonded teeth, oral hygiene, lifestyle habits, diet, and wear and tear. Tooth bonding is only a temporary procedure, so it will wear down over time and need to be replaced.

Because the rear molars undergo significantly more chewing force than the front teeth, bonded front teeth tend to last longer than bonded rear teeth. To extend the lifespan of your bonding, regularly brush and floss, attend dental cleanings every 6 months, avoid chewing on hard and sticky foods like candy, popcorn, nuts and seeds, and toffee, and wear a mouthguard if you grind your teeth. 

You should never use your teeth to rip open packages, as this can break your real teeth and damage your bonding. Limit your exposure to stains by avoiding tobacco products and reducing your consumption of staining foods and drinks. Dental bonding doesn’t respond to teeth whitening so if your bonding becomes discolored, the only way to fix it is to have it replaced.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Bonding?

If you have minor enamel erosion or want to cover up aesthetic imperfections like discoloration, misalignment, gaps, minor chips/cracks, or an exposed root, or are unhappy with the size and shape of your teeth, then bonding is a great way to correct these problems. Candidates should be in good oral health, avoid smoking, not have severe tooth damage, and not have severe orthodontic problems. Dr. Vashisht can let you know if you’re a good candidate during a consultation.