Bonding
A cosmetic dental procedure that can improve the appearance of chipped, broken, cracked, stained, or widely-spaced teeth; bonding is also used to protect exposed roots of teeth exposed by receding gums, as well as to repair small cavities.
Using tooth-colored composite resins, Dr. Winchester can often use bonding to restore the appearance and shape of the natural tooth.
The bonding procedure is quick and comparatively easy.
- First, the tooth surface is prepared by the use of an etching solution that will allow the resins to adhere to the tooth.
- Next,
the composite resins, plastic materials made of resins and glass-like materials, are carefully blended so that their color will match the existing tooth enamel.
- This mixture of materials is then
attached or bonded to the tooth. The resin is applied and carefully shaped to appear natural.
- Next the resin is hardened using a special light or chemical process.
- Once the resin has hardened, it is smoothed and polished so that it appears like the natural tooth.
Bonding may or may not require anesthesia or drilling. The complete procedure can usually be done in a single visit. The bonding usually lasts between three and five years.
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