Dental Bonding: Everything You Need to Know
When an accident occurs and teeth chip or crack, it is important to seek emergency dental treatment. It may be tempting to fix cracks and chips at home, but we advise against it. We have a solution that could cover the chips and make the teeth functional again—dental bonding. Bonding is an affordable and non-invasive dental procedure that can correct other dental imperfections too. Keep reading to learn more about dental bonding in Baltimore.
What is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding is classified as cosmetic dentistry as it helps to restore the function, appearance, and size of the teeth. The procedure involves using composite material on the affected tooth to close the gaps.
When Would You Recommend Dental Bonding?
We primarily use dental bonding to repair cracked or chipped teeth. If the cracks have not affected the nerves, the dentist can easily salvage the situation with bonding.
However, our pediatric dentist Baltimore can also use bonding instead of amalgam fillings when you have minor decay, discoloration, gaps, and oddly shaped teeth.
How Long Does the Procedure Last?
You will need one dental visit to fix the bonding material. The procedure will take 30 60 minutes to be completed and it involves a few steps:
- Dental preparation is needed before the material is fixed. You won’t have enamel trimming as is the case with dental bridges, but the dentist can grind it. Moreover, you will not need anesthesia unless you have decay that needs to be removed before the teeth are bonded.
- The teeth are ground and conditioned to make them ready for bonding. A composite material is applied and molded to the desired shape. The dentist will use a laser light to harden the material.
- Finally, the teeth are polished and smoothened to make them appealing.
Will the Bonding Material Be Visible?
No. Not only does the composite resin resemble your natural teeth, but the dentist will also choose a shade that matches your teeth color. If you want a brighter look, you will need teeth whitening treatment before bonding. Remember, once the composite bonding is applied, you can’t whiten it or change its color.
Can Bonding Discolor?
Yes. Similar to the veneers and crowns, dental bonding can discolor especially if you overconsume coffee, tea, and wine. When the bonding material discolors, you may need a replacement.
Can I Use Dental Bonding If I Have Bruxism?
Yes. Unlike most of the dental procedures such as crowns, you can have dental bonding even if you clench and grind your teeth. However, first, speak to a dentist near you about other ways to address bruxism.
How Long Will the Material Last?
Bonding material can last for ten years depending on your dental hygiene. Although there are no special care instructions, you still need to maintain good oral hygiene. Avoid or limit the intake of coffee and wine to prevent discoloration. Plus, you need to have regular dental visits for professional cleaning and examination.
What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Bonding?
Dental bonding is an inexpensive and easy to apply procedure. Furthermore, the application needs only one dental visit unless multiple teeth are involved. Plus, you will not need any anesthesia and the procedure is not invasive.
On the downside, the boding can chip and crack after some time. Moreover, the material is not as strong as the other dental restorations such as crowns and veneers. Avoid biting hard objects using your bonded teeth.
Is Dental Bonding Covered by Insurance?
A majority of dental insurance plans don’t cover dental bonding as the procedure is classified as cosmetic dentistry. However, it won’t hurt to confirm with your insurance provider if the dental bonding is covered. Additionally, contact us to discuss the financial plan we offer for the procedure.
Schedule an Appointment
If you have minor dental imperfections such as chips and cracks, dental bonding will work great. Contact us for an appointment or visit Canton Crossing Dental and our dentist will restore your dental appearance and function.