A look at the dental bonding procedure, why it is done and how it is performed.

Those who had crooked, stained, or missing teeth were once condemned to the life of embarrassment due to their smile. Bad teeth can alter someone’s appearance and self esteem. While there are procedures to improve many of these conditions, few can totally correct the most extreme cases. However, today a procedure known as dental bonding is starting to make a huge difference in the lives of people with poor quality teeth.

Dental bonding is a painless and relatively simple procedure. It works by mixing resin and a plastic substance and fusing it to the surface of one’s tooth with the aid of light. This bonds the two together permanently to restore the shape, color and quality of the teeth.

Dental bonding can be used in a variety of uses. It is used to repair decayed teeth. The resins are able to act as filling for teeth. It can also be used to repair teeth that have been chipped or cracked. Severely damaged teeth can be fully restored with the help of this procedure. Those that have teeth that are severally discolored can now have it corrected with the help of dental bonding. Teeth that have been stained due to smoking or other reasons can now have a beautiful, bright smile restored.

Sometimes, spaces develop between teeth. This can be as a result of accidents or having bad teeth extracted. Dental bonding can actually fill gaps between teeth. This is useful in the way that it stops your current teeth from shifting. It can also reduce tooth decay in that gaps and crooked teeth are much harder to keep clean.

Dental bonding can help to change the shape of teeth. Sometimes teeth get worn unevenly if they are not straight. This can effect eating and can lead to jaw pain and headaches. This procedure can change the shape of your teeth so they align better. This will reduce pressure on some teeth and redistribute the pressure around the jaw more evenly.

Dental bonding can also act as an alternative for metal fillings, and protect other parts of the teeth when gums start to recede.

Dental bonding is a pain free procedure. The only time anesthetic is used is if it being done to correct a severely decayed tooth.

Dental bonding provides the patient with several advantages. As stated above, it is a pain free procedure. Unless the tooth is very decayed, anesthetic isn’t even required. Dental bonding is also much less stressful then having crowns or other tooth replacement procedures. Some of these require several visits. Dental bonding can usually be done in one visit unless the person needs several teeth completed. Finally, the person looses very little of the original tooth enamel when dental bonding is done. The surfaced is only roughened slightly to help the adhesive. Other procedures are much more evasive.

There are a few disadvantages to the dental bonding procedures. The material used for bonding is stain resistant. However, crowns and veneers are far more resistant. The bonding material is also quite strong but again, crowns and veneers usually last far longer.

Teeth that have undergone this procedure do not require any special care. Simply follow the standard rules of good oral hygiene and you should get the most out of your bonded teeth. Avoid bad habits like biting finger nails. Also avoid biting down on particularly hard substances. This can cause the bonding material to chip and break off. It is bad for your teeth in general.

Dental bonding material is fairly hard wearing. The lifespan can vary. The average is between 3-10 years depending on the degree of care given. However, at the end of this time a touch up is usually all that is required.

Finally, dental bonding will vary in cost. One can expect to pay between 100-400 dollars per tooth. However, check with your dental insurance company. They will likely cover a portion of the costs.