Dental bonding is a non-invasive dental procedure that can help alter the look of your smile. Here, we explain how dental bonding can repair gapped and discoloured teeth to restore your smile.
What is dental bonding?
Dental bonding is an effective and non-invasive cosmetic dental procedure. Your dentist applies a tooth-coloured resin to your teeth and then shapes it to match the surrounding teeth and blend it in. The result is a natural-looking smile.
The process is called 'dental bonding' because the composite resin bonds to your teeth.
Why would I need dental bonding?
Dental bonding is often used cosmetically. It can change the appearance of chipped or discoloured teeth to make them look longer or have a different colour and shape.
Bonding is also used as an alternative to silver fillings in order to cover exposed tooth roots.
What happens during a dental bonding procedure?
When your dentist performs dental bonding, they apply the resin to your teeth in layers, using a light to harden each layer in turn.
After hardening the last layer, they will shape and polish the resin to fit your teeth. This results in a smooth and natural look.
How long does dental bonding take?
Dental bonding generally takes between 30 and 60 minutes per tooth to complete. Unlike veneers, which are made in a dental lab and require more time to create, dental bonding can be done in one visit.
How long does dental bonding last?
The resin your dentist uses during the bonding process has a lifespan on between 4 and 8 years, potentially lasting up to 10.
How long the effects of dental bonding last depends on where in your mouth it's applied and how it's maintained. If needed, your dentist can touch up the composite resin and re-bond it over time.
Are you curious about dental bonding as a treatment option for your smile?
A dentist will be able to answer all of your questions.
