Before you ask, no, this is not a team-building exercise like how it sounds, although the bonding procedure will bring your teeth closer together, so the metaphor still works. A couple weeks ago we talked about veneers and how they work to get you that bright celebrity smile. Bonding is very similar in the way that it perfects your smile, so let’s take a closer look at it.
What is bonding?
The outcome of bonding is a lot like the veneer procedure that we talked about last week, though it is more commonly used for mild cases such as a single chipped tooth. The material is also similar as a composite resin is used for the restoration process. If you’re not familiar with composite resin, it’s a soft tooth-colored material that is placed in the gaps of your teeth and then hardened using light. The finished result will look polished and natural. Composite resin can also be placed on top of the tooth to cover up stains and match your teeth to one another.
How is Bonding Done?
Since composite resin is very delicate to work with, your dentist will first insert a thin plastic film between the tooth that is receiving the resin and the surrounding teeth. This way the composite resin will not go anywhere it is not supposed to. Then, like with veneers, your dentist will place a mild chemical on the treated tooth to make it slightly rough. This acts as an adhesive for the resin and will make it easier for it to bond to the enamel. Layers will be added as needed, with a light to harden each layer before the next is applied. After the final layer has been added, your dentist will shape the tooth and polish it to make it look natural and blend in with the rest of your teeth.
If you’re interested or wondering if you might be a candidate, contact your dentist and set up a consultation. They will be able to answer any questions or concerns that you may have.
