In cosmetic
bonding, an enamel-like material is applied, hardened and sculpted
to close spaces between teeth, cover flaws, or improve the color
or shape of teeth. Composite tooth bonding is a cosmetic dentistry
technique that can work wonders for your smile. Using materials
that match the shade, translucency and texture of your teeth,
gaps between the teeth can be closed, spots, chips, and discolorations
can be eliminated, and your self-confidence can be enhanced
through the improved appearance of your smile.
How is
a tooth bonded?
Tooth bonding is usually a one-visit procedure. The tooth is
prepared by lightly roughening the area to be repaired, which
usually doesn't require anesthetic. The surface of the tooth
is then etched with a gel, and a treatment of bonding primers
and resins is applied to the tooth. Dental composites are made
to a paste-like consistency so that they can be sculpted to
the proper shape and applied. They contain various pigments
that are matched to your tooth color, and they come in varying
degrees of translucency. This composite is applied to your tooth,
sometimes in several layers in order to duplicate the depth
of color that occurs in a natural tooth. A high-intensity curing
light is then used to harden it. Your highly experienced cosmetic
dentist is now able to mimic the color details and translucency
of your tooth for a natural, healthy appearance.
How long
will tooth bonding last?
The technology of composite tooth bonding materials is wonderful
as far as the beauty that it can bring to your teeth. There
are some limitations to the materials of which you need to be
aware. How long bonding lasts depends on many factors that are
unique to the individual. Many people will go for ten or fifteen
years and have the bonding look as good as the day it was put
in. Some people will get staining on the margins of the bonding
after one or two years and will need some touch-up work. If
you take care of it well, it would be unusual to ever have to
replace it, but some touch-up work would be normal after three
to five years.
Under normal
mouth conditions and if used as recommended, the tooth bonding
work will not darken or discolor with age. If the bonding is
not damaged by improper professional cleaning, it should not
stain any more than your natural teeth. In most cases, it is
also durable enough to withstand the stresses of ordinary mouth
function.
If you have
extensive bonding work, we recommend frequent professional maintenance.
Having your teeth cleaned two to four times per year by a hygienist
skilled in bonding maintenance can help protect your bonding
and make it look better and last longer. Maintain your bonded
teeth by brushing and flossing faithfully. Try to avoid sweets
or starchy foods between meals. Bonding holds up much better
when it is clean. Be careful to choose gentle cleaning tools
- Harsh toothpastes will dull the shine on bonding and make
it more susceptible to stain. Hard toothbrushes will also damage
bonding.
Here are
some additional tips for taking care of your bonding work: