Cosmetic Dental Services: Bonding
If you're a Carlisle, PA resident with a chipped or discolored tooth, you might want to consider dental bonding. One of the least expensive cosmetic dental services, dental bonding repairs chipped tooth enamel, brings a shine back to discolored teeth and provides an attractive alternative to silver amalgam fillings.
What is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding uses a special plastic material called composite resin that looks like tooth-colored putty. Dr. Killian applies the bonding material to the tooth, molds the material as needed, and then hardens the resin by exposing the bonding material to a high intensity light.
Dental Services Offered through Bonding
Bonding is used in a number of our dental services. Dental bonding can repair small cracks or chips in tooth enamel, cover tooth discoloration and provide the illusion of longer teeth. Because Dr. Killian can sculpt the resin, dental bonding can change the shape of a tooth. Dr. Killian can also shade bonding material to match the color and sheen of tooth enamel. Because of this feature, composite resin fillings look better than traditional silver amalgam fillings.
In addition to cosmetic improvements, bonding also performs a functional dental service. For example, receding gum lines can expose a tooth's nerve root, causing sensitivity and pain. Dental bonding coats the exposed tooth, protecting the nerve.
Applying Dental Bonding
Unless tooth decay is a factor, anesthetic is rarely needed for bonding dental services, and a single appointment in our office is usually enough time to complete dental bonding. Dr. Killian prepares the tooth by roughing the tooth surface slightly and applying a conditioning liquid. Preparation helps the bonding material adhere to the tooth surface.
He then applies the resin, molding and sculpting it until it reaches its desired shape. Shining an ultraviolet light or laser on the tooth makes the resin harden and dry faster. Once dry, Dr. Killian shapes the resin a little more, and then polishes the material to match the tooth's natural shine. On average you can expect a dental bonding procedure to take between 30 and 60 minutes.
Dental Bonding Advantages and Disadvantages
Dental bonding does, however, have some limitations. Resin cannot match crowns for strength, and it chips easier than other materials. You can chip bonding material by chewing on hard substances, such as fingernails, ice or pens. Teeth grinding also easily damages bonding material.
Another drawback to bonding material is it also stains easier than cosmetic crowns. As a cosmetic dental service, bonding works best for small repair work and restorations.
However, as a cosmetic dental service, bonding has its advantages. For example, it can be long lasting. With proper hygiene, dental bonding can last anywhere from 3 to 10 years.
Dental bonding also removes less tooth enamel than other cosmetic dental services. The lack of anesthetic for most bonding procedures is another benefit, and you don't need to arrange multiple appointments for most bonding procedures. Last but not least, bonding is one of the least expensive cosmetic bonding services available.
If you live in the Carlisle, PA area and want to explore bonding or other cosmetic dental services, give us a call. We'll be happy to answer all your dental-related questions.
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