[Posted on August 4th, 2013 by Cashion Dental]If your teeth are broken or stained, College Station dentists can perform dental bonding to give you the smile you’re always wanted. Gaps between teeth and uneven edges disappear for an even look that will boost your self-confidence.What is Bonding?Bonding is a process in which a dentist attaches material to a tooth to replace a missing structure or rebuild the tooth to a new shape that will enhance your appearance. A dentist bonds a resin material to the tooth that needs to be revised. According to the University of Iowa College of Dentistry, the procedure requires little if any tooth structure removal and is sometimes reversible.The Colgate Oral and Dental Health Resource Center says that bonding typically lasts for several years before it needs repairs. The life of the procedure depends on your oral habits and how much bonding College Station dentists performed.Reasons for BondingDentists in College Station recommend bonding to accomplish these results, according to MedicineNet.com:
- Repair decayed teeth
- Close spaces between teeth
- Repair cracked or chipped teeth
- Change a tooth’s shape
- Make teeth appear longer
- Protect an exposed root after gums recede
- Enhance the appearance of a discolored tooth
- Provide a cosmetic alternative to an amalgam filling
What It InvolvesBonding usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. If you want to have more than one tooth bonded, College Station dentists usually schedule multiple visits.There is no particular preparation for dental bonding. Dentists normally don’t use anesthesia unless the reason for the bonding is filling a tooth that’s decayed.A dentist can shape and polish the composite resin used for bonding to match adjoining teeth. After selecting the proper composite resin color, the next step is roughening the surface and applying a conditioning liquid to help the material stick to the tooth.Initially, the resin resembles putty. The dentist applies, molds and smoothes it to reshape the tooth. After using an ultraviolet light or a laser to dry and harden the resin, it’s possible to trim it, tweak the shape and polish it to match the rest of the surface of the tooth.How to Care for Bonded TeethIt’s important to realize that the composite used in bonding isn’t as strong as your natural teeth. Cracking ice with your teeth or chewing on pens can cause the material to chip.Since tea, coffee, cigarettes and other things can stain the resin, you should follow the dentist’s recommendation as far as what to avoid eating or drinking for 48 hours after the procedure. Proper maintenance of bonded teeth also includes regular professional cleanings.A smile is often the first thing people notice about a face. It’s a mirror of how you feel about yourself. College Station dentists are skilled at bonding and other cosmetic procedures that are sure to enhance your self-confidence.
