When a dentist sculpts a tooth-colored composite material, often a plastic resin, directly onto the teeth, this is known as dental bonding lansdowne, va. Dental bonding is an in-office procedure provided by dentists to repair and restore a damaged tooth.  Bonding, one of the most affordable cosmetic dentistry procedures, is most frequently performed to improve the appearance of a tooth that has decayed, discolored, or broken. Many people confuse dental bonding with veneers. While veneers require custom molds to be fitted to the teeth over the course of a few office visits, bonding may be easily done in one dental visit. Bonding uses a composite material that is molded and polished to match adjacent teeth. Although bonding is most frequently used to improve the appearance and function of a damaged tooth, the technique may also be used to narrow gaps between teeth, to increase the length of teeth, or to modify and enhance the color or shape of teeth. Bonding may also be used as an alternative to certain types of fillings, or to provide protection for a tooth’s root when a portion is exposed due to receding gums. In most cases, anesthesia is not necessary for a bonding procedure, and the procedure may be performed in a single dental visit. If, however, bonding is used as an alternative for a dental amalgam filling, local anesthesia may be used.

To begin the bonding procedure, your dentist will determine what shade of composite resin most closely matches the color of the teeth. Once the color has been chosen, your dentist will gently abrade the surface of the tooth with a painless etching solution and will then coat the tooth with a liquid that helps the composite resin properly adhere. Then, your dentist will apply the tooth-colored composite material, sculpting and shaping this putty-like material until it is the proper shape, and then fixing the material with ultraviolet light. Once the material has solidified, your dentist will further sculpt and polish the tooth until it matches other teeth in shape, color, and sheen.

The procedure usually takes under an hour for a single tooth. If you are planning to undergo the procedure on more than one tooth, you may need to schedule more than one visit. To avoid staining the bonded tooth, you should expect to avoid certain foods or beverages for 48 hours following the procedure. You will also want to brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice daily, as well as flossing daily and having your teeth periodically cleaned by a dental hygienist.

While bonding often lasts several years before it needs to be replaced, your habits may affect this longevity. Composite resin is not as strong as natural teeth, and chewing on hard objects may damage the bonding material. Avoid habits like biting your nails and chewing on pens or pencils, and don’t use your teeth as a bottle opener! If you notice rough edges on the bonded teeth shortly after your procedure, or if your teeth feel unusual when you bite down, call your dentist.

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