Dental bonding

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding (pronunciation: /ˈdɛn.təl ˈbɒn.dɪŋ/) is a procedure in dentistry where a tooth-colored resin material is applied and hardened with a special light, ultimately bonding the material to the tooth to improve a person's smile.

Etymology

The term "dental bonding" is derived from the English words "dental", meaning related to teeth, and "bonding", which refers to the process of fastening or joining something securely.

Procedure

Dental bonding is a simple procedure that typically does not require numbing the tooth. To begin, the dentist will use a shade guide to select a composite resin color that closely matches the color of your tooth. The surface of the tooth will then be roughened and a conditioning liquid applied. These procedures help the bonding material adhere to the tooth. The tooth-colored, putty-like resin is then applied, molded, and smoothed to the desired shape. An ultraviolet light or laser is then used to harden the material. After the material is hardened, the dentist will further trim and shape it, and polish it to match the sheen of the rest of the tooth surface.

Uses

Dental bonding is used to repair decayed, chipped, fractured or discolored teeth. It is also a good cosmetic alternative to, or replacement for, amalgam or silver fillings. Dental bonding can be done in a single visit to the dentist.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Dental bonding is among the easiest and least expensive of cosmetic dentistry procedures. Unlike veneers and crowns, which are customized tooth coverings that must be manufactured in a lab, bonding usually can be done in one office visit unless several teeth are involved. Another advantage is that the least amount of tooth enamel is removed compared with veneers and crowns. However, bonding material can chip and break off the tooth.

Related Terms

• Dentistry
• Amalgam
• Cosmetic Dentistry
• Tooth Enamel

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Dental bonding
• Wikipedia's article - Dental bonding

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