Enamel is the protective surface on the outside of your teeth. While enamel is the hardest surface in your body, it can still become eroded over time because of contact with acid that occurs in your mouth when you eat or drink carbohydrate-rich substances. Brushing too hard or using a toothbrush with bristles that are too firm can also damage enamel. If the enamel of your teeth deteriorates enough, your teeth become vulnerable to tooth decay. In this case, your dentist may recommend dental bonding. This painless and quick procedure can act as a replacement for enamel.
Enamel damage is generally a permanent condition. In minor cases of eroded enamel, you may be able to restore it using special toothpaste designed for enamel repair. These products contain natural calcium, which is what makes up tooth enamel. However, if the level of enamel decay is too severe, your dentist may recommend dental bonding.
Dental bonding is one way you can treat enamel that is too eroded. While the process does not create new enamel, it does cover the damage and protect the tooth from further enamel erosion. Dentists generally recommend bonding for cosmetic purposes and for front teeth where there is little bite pressure.
The bonding process involves your dentist applying a composite resin that protects the area in place of enamel. Dental bonding is one of the easiest cosmetic dental procedures, and the cost is relatively low.
Whereas crowns and veneers are custom-made and require lab manufacturing, bonding is a simple procedure that is generally performed in a single office visit. There is not much advance preparation needed. Your dentist will match a resin color to the shade of your teeth, then prepare your teeth for the resin by etching them and applying a conditioning liquid that will help the bonding to attach. The bonding material is then applied to the teeth, molded and shaped to the correct form, and hardened with a special type of blue light or laser. After the bonding has hardened appropriately, your dentist will shape it further and polish it to blend with the rest of your teeth. The entire process takes approximately 30 minutes to an hour per tooth.
Dental bonding is used for a variety of other purposes, including closing spaces that exist between teeth, changing the shape of a tooth, improving the look of discolored teeth, repairing damaged teeth from decay, chips, or cracks, and making teeth appear longer. Bonding can also be used as a substitute for amalgam fillings or an alternative to dental fillings when gums have receded enough to expose the root of a tooth.
Not meant to be a permanent solution, dental bonding is weaker than natural teeth and is much more vulnerable to chipping or cracking. If you have undergone any kind of dental bonding procedure, you should avoid eating especially hard foods that can damage the bonding. You should also be aware of bad habits involving your teeth, such as chewing pens, biting fingernails, tearing open packages with your teeth, and chewing ice.
Dental bonding is especially prone to staining, particularly after the first 48 hours of installation. You should not consume anything that can cause staining, such as wine, cigarette smoke, coffee, or tea, for at least 48 hours after the procedure, and limit your consumption of these things for as long as you have the bonding in place.
Be aware of any sharp edges on bonded teeth or if biting down feels uncomfortable or strange. These can be signs of chipped or damaged bonding; contact your dentist if you notice any of these issues.
Besides using caution to avoid staining and chipping, dental bonding does not require additional care. You should simply continue to follow healthy oral hygiene practices, including brushing a minimum of twice daily, flossing daily, rinsing with antiseptic wash at least once a day, and visiting your dentist every six months or as needed for regular professional cleanings and checkups.
Dental bonding is a popular, cost-effective, and practical way to temporarily cover damaged enamel. The procedure is straightforward, relatively painless, and brief, and the results are usually pretty dramatic, as dental bonding can camouflage a variety of cosmetic issues. If you are concerned about the strength of your natural tooth enamel or the condition of your smile, talk to your dentist to see if dental bonding is appropriate for you.
Request an appointment here: https://drdelucia.com or call Anthony DeLucia D.D.S., P.A. at (772) 492-7045 for an appointment in our Stuart office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Bonding in Stuart, FL.
Dental bonding, also known as tooth bonding, is a popular procedure that is used for a variety of reasons. Bonding can be used to cover up a myriad of imperfections, such as chips, cracks, gaps, and discolorations, and it is also used to fill in cavities. Dental bonding is popular because it uses a tooth-colored…
Dental bonding is a non-invasive treatment that can be used to transform that the way your teeth look and to rebuild them. The procedure does not require making any alterations to the patient’s teeth, as is the case with restorations like crowns and dentures.Dental bonding is typically performed during a single dental appointment, but indirect…
Dental bonding is a great way to restore teeth that have damage such as worn-down enamel, chips, and cracks. Continue reading to learn more about dental bonding. Dental bonding can also address cosmetic concerns in many instances as well, such as short teeth, gaps between teeth, and severe teeth stains.The best way to determine whether…
Dental bonding is a non-invasive type of dental restoration. It is a versatile treatment that can be used to fix discolored, cracked, or chipped teeth. The composite is typically applied directly to the patient’s teeth and the treatment is completed in as little as 45 minutes.Composite restorations can also be made at a dental lab…