Dental bonding can help improve the appearance of your smile. This non-invasive cosmetic dental procedure can be used to repair gapped or discoloured teeth and restore your smile. Our Abbotsford dentists share some facts about the procedure.
What is dental bonding?
During this safe, non-invasive cosmetic dental treatment, your dentist covers your teeth with tooth-coloured composite resin before shaping and polishing it to match the teeth surrounding it so that it blends in, effectively leaving you with a natural-looking smile.
This process is called 'dental bonding' because the composite resin literally bonds to the tooth.
Why would I need dental bonding?
Dental bonding is most often used for cosmetic purposes – to improve the appearance of a chipped or discoloured teeth, to make teeth appear longer or change their shape or colour, or to close gaps between teeth.
Bonding is also sometimes used as an alternative to silver (amalgam) fillings, or to cover exposed tooth roots due to receding gums.
What happens during a dental bonding procedure?
When your dentist performs a dental bonding treatment, the dentist applies composite resin to your tooth in layers. A light is used to harden each layer.
After the last layer is hardened, the dentist shapes and polishes it to fit your tooth, resulting in a smooth, natural-looking tooth that complements the rest of your smile.
How long does dental bonding take?
The process typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes to complete. The bonding process can most often be completed in one visit — unlike custom veneers which are custom-made in a dental lab and therefore require more time.
How long does dental bonding last?
The composite resin your dentist will use during the bonding process will likely have a lifespan of between 4 and 8 years, and potentially up to 10 years.
How long the effects of dental bonding last can vary depending on your specific case (where in your mouth it’s applied) and how it’s maintained (excellent oral hygiene and attending your regularly scheduled dental visits is key).
Your dentist can touch up the composite resin and re-bond it over time if required.