Unlike veneers and crowns, which are customized tooth coverings manufactured in a laboratory, bonding can usually be done in a single visit at Envy Smile Dental. The procedure gets its name because materials are bonded to the tooth. Composite bonding is among the easiest and least invasive of cosmetic dental procedures. The composite resin used in bonding can be shaped and polished to match the surrounding teeth. Most often, bonding is used for discoloured teeth to conceal dark, grey, or brown tones resulting from past dental trauma, root canal treatments, or deep developmental defects. Sometimes, bonding is used as a conservative cosmetic alternative to full ceramic crowns, preserving sound enamel.
Your dentist will use a shade guide to select the composite resin colour that matches the colour of your neighbouring teeth best. Once the dentist has chosen the colour, he or she will slightly etch the front surface of the discoloured tooth to roughen it. The tooth will be coated lightly with a conditioning liquid, which helps the bonding material adhere. When the tooth is prepared, your dentist will apply an opaque blocker to conceal the underlying darkness, followed by the tooth-coloured, putty-like resin. The resin is moulded and smoothed until the tooth blends seamlessly with adjacent teeth. Then the material is hardened with an ultraviolet light or laser. After the bonding material hardens, your dentist will further trim and shape it. Next, he or she will polish the material until it matches the sheen of the rest of the tooth surface.
The lifespan of bonding materials on discoloured teeth depends on how much bonding was done and your oral habits. Typically, bonding materials last from 5 to about 8 years before needing to be touched up or replaced. Tea, coffee, cigarette smoke and other substances can stain the resin used in bonding. To prevent or minimize stains, have your teeth cleaned regularly by a dental hygienist at Envy Smile Dental. Because bonding material can chip, avoid biting fingernails, chewing on pens or ice, or using your bonded teeth as tools to tear open packets. If you notice any changes in colour or edge wear, call your dentist.
Visit our page on composite bonding London to explore treatment options, costs, and expert advice.
The insights shared in our articles are meant to educate and inform, not to replace a face-to-face consultation. Every smile is unique, and a proper diagnosis can only be made by a qualified clinical professional. Please book an appointment with our team or consult your local dentist for advice tailored to your specific oral health needs.
