Dental bonding - FAQ
Smile Makeover Specialist
In Collierville and Memphis, Tennessee
If you would like to contact Dr. Ettienne van Zyl to ask a question or schedule an appointment visit our convenient contact form.
What is dental bonding?
For what conditions is dental bonding considered?
What's the procedure for having a tooth bonded?
When is bonding the best procedure?
Do Bonded Teeth Require Special Care?
How Long Does Bonding Material Last?
What Can I Expect?
What is dental bonding?
Dental bonding is an advanced composite resin used to correct a wide variety of cosmetic dental problems. Dental bonding begins as a soft, malleable putty which is hardened with the use of a photoactive catalyst. The resin is exposed to a special light, which activates the catalyst, causing the resin to bond to the tooth, restoring and correcting the smile.
For what conditions is dental bonding considered?
Dental bonding is used to correct many different dental problems, including:
- Decay
- Chips or cracks
- Discoloration
- Gaps or spaces between teeth
- Misshaped teeth, including teeth that are too short
What's the procedure for having a tooth bonded?
Dental bonding is one of the quickest cosmetic restorations available. It requires very little advanced preparation, and anesthesia is not necessary unless the bonding is being used to fill a decayed tooth, which can be somewhat painful.
Before beginning, your dentist will select a composite resin color that will match the color of your tooth, making the restoration nearly invisible.
Before applying the resin, the surface of your tooth will be roughened and a conditioning liquid applied. This helps the dental bonding adhere to the tooth. The resin, at this point putty-like in consistency, is then applied to the tooth, molded to the desired shape, and smoothed to the texture of enamel. An ultraviolet light is then used to activate the catalyst in the resin, causing it to harden, or "cure." After the material is hardened, Dr. van Zyl may trim and shape the resin, and he will definitely polish it to give it the sheen of enamel. The entire procedure takes about 30 to 60 minutes to complete for each tooth.
Unlike porcelain veneers and crowns, there is no need to send away to the lab or utilize the CEREC system. Instead, it is shaped by the dentist while you are seated in the chair, so it is essential that you work with a dentist who has significant training and experience in working dental bonding material. Ask to see some of your dentist's results before agreeing to a dental bonding procedure.
When is bonding the best procedure?
Bonding is best when you are looking for a cost-effective solution to small cosmetic problems. Although some bonding restorations can be long-lasting, they are more likely to fail than porcelain veneers, and are suitable only for correction of teeth in areas of very low bite pressure, such as front teeth.
Do Bonded Teeth Require Special Care?
Good oral hygiene practices are typically enough to keep your bonded teeth in good condition. You should brush your teeth at least twice a day, preferably soon after meals, floss at least once a day, and see your dentist regularly for professional check-ups and cleanings.
However, bonding materials are softer than porcelain, so you should avoid things that put stress on your teeth, such as:
- chewing on pens, ice, or hard food objects
- biting your fingernails
- and, as always, do not use your teeth as a bottle opener or pair of pliers
If you notice any sharp edges on your bonded tooth or if your bite suddenly feels odd, contact Dr. van Zyl.
How Long Does Bonding Material Last?
Bonding materials have a wide range in lifespan. They can last anywhere from three to 10 years. However, this depends on how much bonding was done and how your treat your bonded teeth. Sometimes, bonding material stains, depending on your diet and oral hygiene. Dental bonding is not considered a permanent restoration.
What Can I Expect?
You should be satisfied with nothing less than repaired, natural-looking teeth. The quality of the bonding depends largely upon the skill of the cosmetic dentist. Dr. van Zyl trained at the Las Vegas Institute for Advanced Dental Studies and has years of experience bonding teeth. He is an expert is applying the tooth-colored resin – the end result will be very natural looking in terms of size, shape and color.
If you live in the Memphis area and are interested in dental bonding or other cosmetic dentistry procedures, please contact Dr. van Zyl today. Bonding is quick and cost-effective procedure, so you can be enjoying your new smile sooner than you think!
