Bonding

Towson, MD Dentist

An alternative to porcelain veneers , direct bonding (also known as adhesive dentistry) can be used as a restorative procedure for teeth that are chipped, cracked, discolored, or misaligned. Bonding typically refers to the adhesion or bonding of an adhesive material or cement to the natural substances of teeth such as enamel and dentin.

How Does It Work?

Drs. Ousborne and Keller can improve the appearance of chipped or discolored teeth with dental bonding; usually in a single office visit. The dentist will prepare the tooth for the procedure by lightly smoothing, then etching the surface of the tooth and applying bonding liquid. Once the liquid has set, a tooth-colored resin material will be applied and sculpted into the desired shape. The resin will be cured using a visible blue light. This process ultimately ‘bonds’ the material to the tooth. The resin will then be trimmed, smoothed and polished to a natural appearance.

Considerations

Since the plastic resin material used in dental bonding is not as strong as your natural tooth enamel or the alternatives of a porcelain veneer or crown, it is more likely to stain, chip, or break than natural teeth or the stated alternatives. Bonding typically lasts three to five years before maintenance, repair or replacement is needed.

Key Benefits

  • One Day in office procedure
  • More cost effective than veneers or crowns
  • Improves appearance of chipped or discolored teeth
  • Quick and effective method for closing spaces between teeth