What Is Direct Tooth Bonding

Tooth bonding or dental bonding is a simple procedure done at the dentist’s office, whereby a strong composite material is applied to restore decayed or chipped teeth or alter the appearance of teeth for smile makeovers.

Tooth bonding can be used for a number of dental applications:

• 1. To fill cavities or repair teeth

• 2. To cosmetically alter the color of stained teeth

• 3. To fill the spaces between wide-gapped teeth

• 4. To lengthen teeth

• 5. To change their shape or

• 6. To protect a tooth’s root that has become exposed by receding gums

You can see why dental bonding is becoming increasingly popular!

There are two types of direct bonding: Composite bonding mainly as fillings and Direct Veneer bonding mainly for cosmetic purpose to change the color, size and shape of the tooth. The bonding material is a putty-like composite resin matched to the color of your teeth. It is molded onto the tooth in small quantities, light cured to set, smoothed and polished.

The dentist directly bonds the composite materials to the tooth with the help of a bonding agent – don’t worry, it doesn’t hurt!

Per tooth, the bonding takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on the filling needed, veneers take longer. So if you are having more than one tooth done, you may want to schedule several visits.

The bonding will last you several years, though how long specifically depends on your oral habits. Chewing ice, biting pens, or nibbling on your fingernails, are all off-limits, as this can weaken or chip the material. Staining is a common problem with bonding so remember to get your teeth polished during your next dental check-up

If you avoid these habits, and continue to brush twice a day, floss at least once a day, and see your dentist for regular check-ups, your bonded teeth should last you anywhere from three to ten years!