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 dental restorations. The composite resin used in bonding can be shaped and polished to match the surrounding teeth. Most often, bonding is used for small cavities to remove tiny areas of decay, restore damaged enamel, and blend invisibly with natural tooth structure. Sometimes, bonding is used as a modern cosmetic alternative to dark metal amalgam fillings.
Your dentist will use a shade guide to select the composite resin colour that matches the colour of your tooth best. Once the dentist has chosen the colour and gently cleared the small decay, he or she will slightly etch the cavity walls 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 into the cavity space to seal the inner tooth from bacteria. Then the material is hardened with an ultraviolet light or laser. After the bonding material hardens, your dentist will further trim and shape it to match your natural bite. 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 small cavities depends on how much bonding was done and your oral habits. Typically, bonding materials last from 7 to about 10 years before needing to be touched up or replaced. Because small cavity fillings are supported inside a tooth cavity box, they enjoy outstanding durability. Tea, coffee, cigarette smoke and other substances can stain the resin margins over time. To prevent recurrent decay and minimize stains, have your teeth cleaned regularly by a dental hygienist at Envy Smile Dental. Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss between teeth every day to protect the bonded cavity margins.
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.
