Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a simple way to repair very minor damage to enamel, tooth structure, and the shape or alignment of your teeth. Bonding can often be used in place of porcelain dental veneers to fill small holes or make cosmetic repairs. Dental bonding encompasses both the procedure and the soft, flexible paste material that’s used to repair minor dental issues.
Why Use Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding is often use
d as part of larger tooth repairs, or it can be performed on its own to make all kinds of minor dental corrections. The very versatile material has many uses, including the repair of:
- Slightly crooked or misshapen teeth
- Small gaps
- Cracked, chipped, or broken teeth
- Small areas of decay or cavities that aren’t large enough to require fillings
- Discolored or stained teeth
- Short teeth
- Wear or erosion
How Dental Bonding Works
Bonding is a soft paste that is applied in layers to the tooth, gradually adding shape or correcting the color or apparent alignment. After being shaped, the bonding is hardened with a curing light and then polished to perfectly match the surrounding teeth.
Bonding can be used to address many of the same issues as veneers or porcelain fillings, but this process is quicker, smaller in scale, and requires less support from the original tooth.
Black Mountain Dentist FAQs
Can dental bonding be used to repair cavities?
Bonding is often used in place of a filling to repair teeth after the removal of minor decay or small cavities. For larger cavities, a porcelain filling is required in addition to dental bonding.
Can dental bonding be used to repair tooth erosion?
Tooth erosion occurs when the enamel becomes damaged or worn due to acid, normal aging, and other factors. Dental bonding is a reliable way to repair erosion and protect enamel from further damage. Bonding effectively seals the tooth, preventing discoloration, sensitivity, and decay.
What’s the difference between bonding, fillings, and veneers, and how do I know which is the best choice?
- Veneers are a superficial correction that repairs the shape and appearance of a tooth but does not actually affect the tooth’s structure or correct decay or damage.
- Fillings are made to fill cavities or other holes in the teeth. These inlays and onlays can be used to repair large or small issues.
- In certain situations, bonding can be used in place of fillings or veneers. It is an ideal option when veneers or fillings are needed to cover only a tiny hole or to repair a small chip. Small repairs are where dental bonding excels.
Deciding whether or not you’d be best served by fillings, veneers, or bonding will depend on the extent of the damage to your teeth. Black Mountain Dentist Dr. Mark Kleive will assess your oral health in an initial consultation and help you identify the best option for your dental care needs.
How long will dental bonding repairs last?
Dental bonding is a durable solution that, if done correctly, can last about as long as porcelain fillings. Bonding may eventually need to be repaired or replaced, depending on your bite, diet, and dental hygiene habits.
Contact Renewing Smiles today to schedule an initial consultation or to learn more about bonding or other cosmetic dentistry procedures. Dr. Kleive’s practice operates in Black Mountain and serves Asheville, North Carolina.