What is dental bonding?
Dental bonding at Green Tree Dental is a simple and straightforward cosmetic dental treatment that is also known as tooth bonding. This treatment involves the application of a composite resin to a tooth in order to improve the appearance of the teeth and to cover up unsightly imperfections. This composite material is the same as the material that’s used for dental fillings, and as such, dental bonding can sometimes also be referred to as a filling procedure. The process and results of getting dental bonding is similar to that of getting veneers, but dental bonding is much faster and offers more durable results over the long term!
When Dental Bonding Is Necessary
Not everyone needs dental bonding, and because this is primarily a cosmetic dental procedure, there are only a few situations in which dental bonding is necessary. The treatment is fast and painless and is appropriate for most individuals in most age groups. Here are some of the reasons why you might receive dental bonding:
- Discoloration on the teeth
- Decay (fillings)
- Minor cavities
- To close gaps between teeth
- Improve the appearance of teeth with unusual size or shape
- To fill in chips, fractures, or cracks
- To cover the exposed root of a tooth
Dental bonding comes with many benefits, besides being able to improve the appearance of teeth and help you get your best smile. At Green Tree Dental, we want to help our patients achieve their best, most beautiful smile, and dental bonding is one of the best ways to take care of dental imperfections!
Here are some of the many benefits of dental bonding treatment according to our experts:
Natural appearance
The composite used in dental bonding procedures is tooth-colored, and therefore it offers a natural-looking appearance after the treatment is complete. No one will even know that you had dental bonding done!
No anesthesia, no preparation
In comparison with other similar cosmetic dentistry procedures, dental bonding is overall significantly less stressful for patients than other dental procedures. The treatment generally doesn’t require the use of anesthesia, and there’s nothing you need to do to prepare.
Very little care/maintenance required post-treatment
While other cosmetic treatments, like veneers, require a particular post-treatment regimen, dental bonding requires little to no maintenance after the treatment. While the composite is setting you will need to take special care with the foods and drinks that you eat, but after the composite has set you won’t have to worry.
Comparatively low cost
The cost of dental bonding, especially when compared with that of veneers, is exceptionally low. For individuals who want a more affordable and highly effective cosmetic dentistry option to cover up imperfections, dental bonding is the absolute best option.
Speed and efficiency
Dental bonding is a relatively fast treatment. To perform dental bonding on one tooth takes approximately 30 minutes to one hour to complete, and because there is no pre-treatment preparation or post-treatment maintenance, the overall time that you have to spend thinking about the treatment is minimal.
Durability and versatility
A wide variety of cosmetic dental issues can be improved with the use of dental bonding. It’s an incredibly versatile treatment option that can handle everything from a simple chipped tooth to a more complex cosmetic issue such as gaps between the teeth and even cracked teeth. And, as an extra bonus, the composite resin that’s used in the treatment is extremely durable and certain to last for many, many years!
The Dental Bonding Procedure Process
Dental bonding at Green Tree Dental takes about 30 minutes to one hour to complete, and can usually be performed without the use of anesthesia. Before the treatment begins, we will choose a composite resin that matches the color of the tooth that will be treated during the procedure. After a resin has been chosen, then the treatment begins. Our dentists will first use specialized tools to roughen the surface of the target tooth so that the composite will stick appropriately when applied. After the surface has been made rough, then a special liquid will be applied to ensure that the composite will adhere to the tooth.
When the tooth has been prepared, your dentist will then start to apply the composite resin. During this process, the dentist will ensure that the composite is molded and applied in a way that appears natural and that will feel comfortable in your mouth when the treatment is complete. We will ensure that the surface is smooth before moving onto the next step.
The final step of the dental bonding procedure involves the use of a special light that will help set the composite resin in place. This light will harden the resin and finalize the process. Then the treatment is complete and you’re ready to go!
What to Expect After Dental Bonding
Immediately after a dental bonding treatment, there are a few things to keep in mind. Our dentists at Green Tree Dental recommend that you avoid foods, drinks, and other substances that will stain or otherwise affect the setting and appearance of the composite resin. In the 48 hours following the treatment, the composite is susceptible to staining, so it’s important to avoid consuming things that may stain the composite. For example, avoid alcohol, cigarettes and tobacco, coffee, and tea, among other substances that your dentist will tell you about during your visit.
After the initial 48 hours have passed, you’re free to continue your dental routine like normal! There’s no need to get special toothpaste, mouthwash, or other dental items in order to maintain the appearance and integrity of the dental bonding composite resin. All that’s needed to keep up your dental bonding is a healthy home dental care routine along with regular visits to your dentist for routine cleanings and checkups.
