Cosmetic Bonding

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Bonding is a dental procedure which has been in use for many years and can dramatically change your smile, in just one dental visit. Bonding is used in a number of cosmetic dental procedures such as replacing metal or amalgam fillings, repairing broken or chipped teeth, reshaping teeth and closing the gaps between teeth. Bonding can also be used to fill dental cavities without the aesthetic impact of amalgam or composite fillings.

Cosmetic Bonding & Fillings

Dental bonding is an increasingly popular option for dental tooth filling as the material can be tailored to match the colour and tone of your natural teeth. It also provides much better aesthetics than amalgam or silver fillings which can be quite obvious when you smile. Replacing fillings with a specially coloured composite has become a favourite for those looking to enhance the aesthetics of their smile.

Suitability for Cosmetic Bonding

Despite the great aesthetics, bonding can't be used on larger cavities as the strength of the structure weakens over large areas. Bonding is great for smaller fillings which won't be put under a large amount of force from chewing. For many dentists bonding has been abandoned altogether. Instead they favor CEREC technology which can produce ceramic fillings which have the strength of a regular filling and the aesthetics of bonding. As with bonding, CEREC fillings can usually be fitted in one visit.

Procedure for Cosmetic Bonding

Some bonding procedures may require a local anaesthetic, so your dentist will begin by injecting the anaesthetic into the gum, numbing the area. The area where the composite is to be placed will firstly be cleaned thoroughly to make sure any food debris or accumulated tartar is removed which will aid the bonding process. Your tooth will then be isolated using a rubber damn and some shaping may be required to accommodate the filling. Your dentist then applies a special acid gel to the affected tooth which will create a more suitable surface for the composite to stick to. The bonding agent will then be placed onto the surface of the tooth and a special light source will engage the bonding process allowing the composite to set properly. It is typical for your dentist to apply the bonding agent in thin layers so that the shape and translucency can be altered. Finally the composite is polished and buffed so that it has the right texture.

Drawbacks of Cosmetic Bonding

Despite the great aesthetics, dental bonding is not as strong as traditional filling materials and can't be used on larger cavities. It is also more prone to staining than porcelain fillings or your natural teeth.

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