Dental bonding combines the results of porcelain veneers with the convenience of a teeth whitening visit. The procedure involves bonding a composite resin to the tooth and exposing it to a special light, which causes it to harden and adhere to the enamel. Dental bonding is highly effective at repairing chipped or cracked teeth, as well as closing unsightly gaps between teeth.
The dental bonding procedure is a comparatively easy and fast one. The dentist can complete the entire process in only one visit. In cases where the patient may require a local anesthetic, the dentist applies a numbing agent around the tooth. Food particles, plaque and tartar can interfere with the bonding process, so the next step involves a thorough cleaning, as the resin requires a clean surface for it to take hold.
The dentist selects a shade of resin that matches the surrounding teeth. The correct shade selection ensures that the tooth undergoing the bonding process looks like its neighbors, as a different-colored tooth can look artificial or out of place. The dentist then isolates the targeted area and applies a bonding gel to help the resin adhere to the tooth.
The dentist applies the resin in layers, exposing each layer to a special light that hardens and cures the surface. Once the dentist has shaped and applied the resin to its desired color and shape, he applies a special polish with a mild buffer to bring out the shine and luster in the resin. Unlike porcelain veneers, the results from dental bonding only last for two to five years. However, the bonding process is much faster and less expensive than applying veneers and only requires a single visit.
To find out more about how dental bonding can improve your smile, contact Houston Medical Center Dental today and book an appointment.
