Grand Rapids Tooth Bonding

What is Tooth Bonding?

Tooth bonding, often called dental bonding, is a quick and effective way to address a number of cosmetic and general dental problems. Both faster and more cost-effective than many other treatments, tooth bonding is a wonderful solution for issues including:

• Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth
• Small spaces and gaps
• Irregularly shaped or sized teeth
• Teeth weakened by decay or trauma

Tooth bonding is a direct veneer treatment that is conducted in the dental office in a single visit. Usually, we perform bonding is performed as a method of cosmetic care; intended to enhance the appearance of the smile. However, in some cases, such as gum recession, bonding may also hold functional value as well.

Tooth Bonding Process

Tooth bonding involves the direct application of a tooth-colored composite resin material. This coating cannot adhere to the tooth’s naturally smooth enamel on its own. To prepare the teeth for bonding, enamel must first be slightly etched – a process that provides a porous surface for the resin to bind with.

Dental bonding is applied in layers, each one hardened before the next is placed. Once the process is complete, the doctor shapes and polishes the bonding to look and feel like natural tooth enamel. Since the tooth bonding our cosmetic dentists use is colored to perfectly match adjacent teeth, it is able to seamlessly integrate into your smile.

The doctor can often complete the tooth bonding process in a single office visit and should be completely functional as soon as you leave. This is much faster than alternative options such as porcelain veneers – although it should be noted that bonding will not last as long as more involved treatments.

Am I a Candidate for Tooth Bonding?

Tooth bonding is a good solution for a number of our patients, but may not be appropriate for every situation. The best way to learn if bonding can help you reach your goals is by contacting our Grand Rapids cosmetic dentists and scheduling an informative and personalized treatment consultation. During your visit, we can discuss your long-term expectations and needs and compare those to the capabilities of dental bonding and other treatment options.

Advantages & Disadvantages of Tooth Bonding

One of the primary advantages of dental bonding is that treatment is convenient and painless. We do not need to take impressions to create lifelike restorations. We simply apply resin material to the prepared tooth as needed to improve appearance Multiple teeth can be treated in a single visit without the need for anesthesia, and the final product is ready for use immediately after treatment is complete. Finally, because enamel reduction is not necessary, bonding may be reversed at any time. This means no commitment to lifelong maintenance in terms of retreatment.

The disadvantage of dental bonding compared to porcelain veneers is that this direct veneer process does not actually support long-term resilience. If you bite your fingernails or other hard objects, there is a good chance that bonding material could be damaged. Additionally, bonding is not viewed as a long-term solution. Retreatment may be necessary after a few years. Finally, the composite resin used to enhance teeth is not as resistant to stains as the porcelain used to fabricate indirect veneers.

Bonded Teeth Maintenance

To maintain bonded teeth, it is necessary to brush and floss daily as directed by your dentist. Routine checkups and cleanings should also be maintained at six-month intervals. To protect the bonded tooth or teeth, patients are advised not to bite or chew on hard objects.

Tooth Bonding Results

Bonding results can last up to 10 years, possibly a bit longer, when oral care is maintained as instructed by your dentist. We are careful to perform the bonding technique in a manner that cures each layer prior to subsequent application of composite resin so material adheres successfully to tooth enamel.