It is also known as composite bonding or tooth bonding. It is one of the excellent way to fix cosmetic and structural imperfections in your teeth. Dental bonding can repair cracked, chipped, and discolored teeth along with replace silver amalgam fillings.Dental bonding is a procedure in which a tooth-colored resin material (a durable plastic material) is applied and hardened with a special light, which ultimately "bonds" the material to the tooth . Cosmetic bonding can also repair misaligned teeth and provide you a straighter and more uniform smile.One can draw a parallel between dental bonding materials and a sculptor's clay. By using dental composite resin bonding your dentist can restore chipped or broken teeth, fill in gaps and reshape or recolor your smile.

What are the Conditions in which Dental Bonding is Appropriate?

Dental bonding is considered in the following conditions:

• To repair teeth decay (composite resins are used to fill up cavities).
• To repair chipped or crack in the teeth.
• To improve the appearance of discolored teeth.
• To fill up spaces between teeth.
• To give the teeth a longer look.
• To change the shape of teeth.
• It is a cosmetic alternative to amalgam fillings.
• It is used to protect a portion of the tooth's root that has been exposed when gums recede.

How long does tooth bonding last?

While the traditional silver fillings last about seven years, these composites should last about seven to eleven years.

What is the Procedure for Having a Tooth Bonded?

In the tooth's enamel structure a very small crevices is by appling a very mild etching solution to your teeth. These small crevices provide a slightly rough surface permitting a durable resin to bond materials to your teeth. On your tooth this resin is then placed and high-intensity light cures the resins onto your tooth's surface, with each individual layer of resin hardening in just minutes. While the last coat has been applied to your tooth, the bonded material is sculpted to fit your tooth and is finely polished.
The resin comes in many shades so that we can match it to your natural teeth. This procedure will take slightly longer than traditional silver fillings due to the layers involved, because multiple layers of the bonding material are applied. Depending on your particular case, typically bonding takes an hour to two hours.
Teeth bonding can usually be completed in one office visit, depending on the extent of repair needed. Even if treatment needs to be performed over two or more visits, you will be pleased to notice a significant difference in your smile after the first treatment. A cosmetic dentist can work out an individual plan for your dental bonding needs after a consultation and initial dental examination.

What are the types of Tooth Bonding Procedures?

There are two types of bonding. It depends upon whether you have a small area or a larger area that requires to be corrected.

For small corrections
These are most appropriate for small fillings and front fillings as they are one appointment fillings. Here the color- matched to the tooth are bonded to the surface for added strength. But they may not be as durable for large fillings.

For larger corrections
Dental lab-created tooth-colored fillings require two appointments and involve making a mold of your teeth and placing a temporary filling. A dental laboratory then creates a very durable filling to custom-fit the mold made from your teeth. These fillings are typically made of porcelain. The custom-fit filling is then bonded to your tooth on your return visit. This type is even more natural looking, more durable and more stain resistant.

Are you a candidate for tooth bonding?

If there is a close, small gaps between your front teeth, or if you have chipped or crack in your teeth, you may be a candidate for bonding. If you have discolored teeth, uneven teeth, gum recession or tooth decay then Bonding is appropriate for you. Bonding material is porous, so smokers will find that their bonding will yellow. If you think you are a candidate for bonding, discuss it with your dentist.

How much will the tooth bonding cost?

As with all procedures, prices vary depending on your location. For dental tooth bonding, the cost varies depending on the number of teeth that are repaired and the extent of the bonding process you need. Many dental insurance plans cover most of the cost of the bonding, particularly when it is done for structural reasons. Many cosmetic dentists have financing plans available for patients, so a procedure like tooth bonding can be affordable to patients of all financial backgrounds. Because dental bonding can easily align, straighten, whiten, and improve the overall appearance of your smile, the result is usually well worth the cost.

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Dental Bonding?

Advantages: Dental bonding is among the least expensive and easiest of cosmetic dental procedures. Dental Bonding can usually be done in one office visit unless several teeth are involved unlike veneers and crowns, which are customized tooth coverings that must be manufactured in a laboratory. Another advantage, of Bonding when compared with veneers and crowns, is that the least amount of tooth enamel is removed. Also, anesthesia is usually not required unless dental bonding is being performed to fill a cavity..

Disadvantages:The material used in dental bonding does not resist stains as well as crowns although the material is somewhat stain resistant. Another disadvantage is that the bonding materials do not last long nor they are as strong as other restorative procedures, such as crowns, veneers, or fillings. Additionally, bonding materials can chip and break off the tooth.

Because of these limitations of dental bonding, some dentists view it as most suited for small cosmetic changes, for temporary correction of cosmetic defects, and for correction of teeth in areas of very low bite pressure like the front teeth. Consult with your dentist about the best cosmetic approach for your particular problem.