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 incisors (central and lateral front teeth) to repair chipped cutting edges, close gaps, or restore vertical length lost to attrition. Sometimes, bonding is used as a conservative alternative to full veneers, protecting the sound enamel of incisors from drilling.
Your dentist will use a shade guide to select the composite resin colour that matches the colour of your incisors best. Once the dentist has chosen the colour, he or she will slightly etch the incisal edge to roughen the surface. 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 the tooth-coloured, putty-like resin. The resin is moulded and smoothed along the incisal blade until the tooth mirrors the adjacent incisor in length and contour. 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 incisors depends on how much bonding was done and your oral habits. Typically, bonding materials last from 5 to about 7 years before needing to be touched up or replaced. Because incisors are designed for cutting food, avoid using them to bite down on hard objects like ice cubes, unpopped popcorn, or plastic packaging. Tea, coffee, and red wine can stain the resin over time; have your incisors cleaned regularly by a dental hygienist at Envy Smile Dental. If a minor chip ever occurs, your dentist can patch it easily in a short appointment.
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.
