Dental bonding is a procedure in which a tooth-colored resin is sculpted and adhered over a tooth for a cosmetic purpose. Working similar to a resin filling, this resin composite “bonds” directly over the tooth, which is why it is called this way. It is a great option to improve your smile, and it is very simple and inexpensive to perform. Many people are not aware they can achieve the smile they have always wanted with such a versatile and conservative procedure as bondings.
Resin veneers, like porcelain veneers, are a layer of material adhered to the natural tooth for an esthetic purpose. However, unlike porcelain, the resin is much more porous and has better adhesion by itself. This is the reason why for porcelain veneers, dentists must grind the front surface of teeth. Bondings, on the contrary, can be molded and adhered directly over the enamel. This means that bondings are a reversible procedure. Another benefit is that they can be completed in a single, painless appointment. There is not even the need for any anesthesia. First the dentist will select the appropriate shade. Then he will dry the surface, apply an acid to aid with adhesion, and then apply the resin. It is very malleable, so he will sculpt it into the desired shape. When you are happy with it, he will harden with ultraviolet light and then polish. The entire process takes between 30 and 60 minutes per tooth.
Resin bondings are great for the following situations:
- Close gaps
- Change the shape of teeth
- Make teeth look longer or wider
- Cover deep stains or discolorations
- Correct slight misalignments
- Correct small chips
Bondings work best on front teeth. Teeth from canine to canine receive little bite pressure, which make them ideal for cosmetic procedures like these. Resin utilized for functional purposes (filling a cavity, for example) is not considered a bonding.
Aftercare
Resin bondings, or resin veneers, require very little aftercare. The routine oral care that includes brushing three times a day, regular flossing, and daily using an antiseptic mouthwash will suffice. Resin is more porous than enamel and porcelain, so drinking dark coffee or tea, red wine, and tobacco will stain the resin more quickly. Also, if your veneers cover the incisal surface of your teeth, avoid chewing off foods like apples, large hamburgers, etc.
How long do they last?
Your dentist will assess before the procedure is started if your bite allows a successful bonding. Otherwise he might recommend a procedure that resists more bite pressures. Well taken care of resin bondings can last between 3 years up to 7 or 8 years. The most common cause for replacement is staining or chipping.
Cost of dental bondings
Only a dentist with a strong esthetic outlook will successfully pull off a resin bonding. It requires both knowledge and talent to sculpt shapeless resin into ideal tooth shape. At the end, they should blend seamlessly into your smile. In spite of this, bondings are among the least expensive cosmetic procedures. In comparison with porcelain veneers, they can cost 40-50% less per tooth.
At the Costa Rica Dental Team, we count with a team of dentists who are qualified to give you the smile you dream with. Whether you need minor corrections or a full mouth reconstruction, we are ready to help. Investing in your smile is investing in your health, and we will make sure it’s worth it. Contact us to find out how we can help you.
