Modern dentistry offers a variety of procedures, and dental bonding is one of the most popular of them, as it is minimally invasive and comparatively affordable. But what problems does dental bonding solve? Please read our article to find out what cosmetic and functional dental issues can be solved with dental bonding and what the procedure looks like.

What Problems Does Dental Bonding Solve?

Dental bonding is effectively used in restorative and cosmetic dentistry to address the following issues:

Dental bonding can be used to restore the appearance and function of chipped or cracked teeth. Your dentist can bond the chipped-off piece back to your tooth or rebuild the damaged tooth with resin composite. However, more extensive damage might not be eligible for treatment with dental bonding. Instead, your dentist might recommend getting a dental crown or veneers, depending on the type and location of the damage. Also, in some cases, such additional treatments as root canal therapy might be necessary.
Dental bonding techniques allow the dental professional to cover up stains and discoloration on your teeth, returning them to their original appearance. However, keep in mind that dental bonding is typically used only as a “spot treatment” and not to cover the entire tooth. So, if the discoloration is extensive and affects the entire tooth, your dentist might recommend opting for dental veneers or crowns instead. Also, minor discoloration can first be addressed with teeth whitening.
Dental bonding can be used to elongate the teeth. For example, this method can be effective in combination with other treatments to address a “gummy smile.”
Dental bonding can help reduce minor gaps between the teeth. However, the treatment will likely not be adequate for larger gaps, in which case you will require an orthodontic treatment.
Dental bonding can alter misshapen teeth to make the smile look more unified.
Dental bonding can be used to protect the tooth with worn-out enamel by applying resin composite to areas where enamel loss occurs. The procedure will help to protect the tooth from decay caused by bacteria and from further damage. Teeth with extensive damage might require alternative treatments, such as dental crowns.
Dental bonding can be used to cover and protect teeth roots exposed to gum recession or periodontal disease.

Consult your dentist to learn if your particular dental issues can be effectively resolved with dental bonding or if some other methods will be more suitable in your case.

How Does Dental Bonding Work?

As we mentioned before, dental bonding is a technique that uses a material called resin composite. It is a tooth-colored material that looks natural in the mouth so that the dental work is not noticeable to the naked eye. This material is also used for dental fillings and for making dental veneers in some cases.

Before resin composite can be applied, the tooth has to be prepared. Your dentist might file down a small portion of a tooth’s enamel or roughen it up to allow necessary friction for the material to adhere to the tooth. After applying resin composite to your tooth, your dentist will shape it to achieve the desired appearance and then harden it by curing it with LED light.

The last step of the procedure is to make sure that the application of dental bonding does not change the natural bite and that the treated tooth feels natural and comfortable in the mouth. Then, your dentist will polish the tooth so as to give it a natural shine.

The procedure of dental bonding rarely causes any discomfort to the patient, as it is minimally invasive, with your doctor working on the surface of the tooth and not accessing its nerves or roots. Additionally, a local anesthetic can be used during the procedure to ensure the maximum comfort of a patient.

With proper care and some lifestyle and dietary changes, dental bonding can last for 5 to 10 years before it needs to be replaced. In the majority of cases, dental bonding is a reversible procedure, meaning that the bonding can be removed and replaced with other restoration options if needed.

Make an Appointment at Dental Care of Pomona

At the Dental Care of Pomona clinic, we offer a variety of restorative and cosmetic treatment options, including dental bonding. Do not hesitate to make an appointment with a reliable dentist today. During your first consultation, we will carefully examine the condition of your teeth and offer you a treatment plan that will be the most effective at addressing your particular dental issues.

We look forward to your visit.