Teeth bonding
Teeth bonding (i.e. dental bonding) is a procedure which involves applying a composite material directly to the tooth to correct its shape, size or color.
If the entire visible surface is covered with a composite material, it is called a composite veneer.
Similar to ceramic veneers, bonding is also used to improve the visual appearance of teeth, in particular for:
- lengthening of worn-down or chipped teeth,
- closing the gaps between the teeth and
- changing the shape or color of teeth.
The advantage of bonding is that it can be performed in one visit and is cheaper than ceramic veneers. It is minimally invasive, because no drilling is required in most cases and, if required, the teeth can be restored to the initial state prior to the application of the material.
However, note that the composite material used in bonding breaks off more often than porcelain and is not as resistant to staining. But on the bright side, it can be easily repaired.
In general, bonding is the ideal choice for minor cosmetic dental corrections, while porcelain veneers are a better choice if major corrections to the color and shape of the teeth are needed.
How is bonding performed
The bonding procedure is the same as other cosmetic smile makeover procedures. It takes place in two stages:
For an extensive prosthetic reconstruction that affects multiple teeth, the dentist will perform a comprehensive clinical evaluation, including taking photographs of your face and teeth, and generating an intraoral 3D image.
Based on your current oral health and your desired outcome, the dentist will develop an optimal treatment plan for teeth bonding. Using the 3D digital model and a simulation of the final result, the dentist will then show you an accurate representation of how your teeth will appear after the procedure.
The treatment involves carefully injecting a liquid composite into a custom-made, transparent silicone template, designed to achieve the desired final appearance. The composite is then cured using a special light, and the final step is to carefully shape and polish the teeth to provide a smooth and natural-looking finish.
