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 worn teeth to rebuild flattened enamel, cover sensitive exposed dentine, and re-establish proper biting height lost to grinding or acid erosion. Sometimes, bonding is used as a cosmetic alternative to full crowns, avoiding aggressive drilling on teeth that are already thinned.
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, he or she will slightly etch the surface of the worn 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 the tooth-coloured, putty-like resin. The resin is moulded and smoothed across the worn biting surfaces until proper tooth length and anatomy are restored. Then the material is hardened with an ultraviolet light or laser. After the bonding material hardens, your dentist will carefully adjust your bite, trimming and shaping the resin. 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 worn teeth depends on how much bonding was done and your oral habits. Typically, bonding materials last from 4 to about 7 years before needing to be touched up or replaced. If you grind or clench your teeth during sleep, wearing a custom nightguard is essential to protect the resin from heavy wear. 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. Avoid biting fingernails, chewing on pens or ice, or using your bonded teeth to tear open packets.
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.
