Dental Bonding FAQ

San Diego, California

What is dental bonding?
It is a procedure used to correct a wide variety of minor cosmetic dental problems. The substance used to do this is also referred to as dental bonding. It’s a malleable, white substance which is matched in exact shade to your natural tooth color. It can be used to fill a cavity, in which case it is referred to as dental composite, or white composite. When applied to the teeth it has a soft consistency, but it is then treated with a curing light, which hardens it into a surface like tooth enamel.

What dental defects can bonding correct?
To be picky about words, bonding doesn’t actually correct the problems, except when it’s used to fill a cavity. More often it hides the problems. It can hide many minor problems at once, such as:

Small chips
Discoloration or spots
Small gaps between teeth
Slight unevenness in tooth sizes
Minor crookedness or misalignment

What's the bonding procedure like?
It’s a simple, quick procedure. No anesthetic is needed when the work is on the tooth surfaces, not affecting the nerves. If the bonding is being used to fill a cavity, then anesthetic would be needed.

The tooth is first roughened very slightly to make it adhere more strongly to the bonding. Dr. Loye then applies the bonding incrementally, building up areas that need more bulk, or smoothing over areas that need a new surface. When this shaping is done, he uses a curing light to harden the bonding, creating a durable enhancement to the teeth. Finally, he will polish the new surfaces.

Bonding is known as a direct restoration because it’s applied directly to the teeth, needing no lab work. In contrast, porcelain veneers are an indirect restoration, as they are made in a dental lab and then applied to the teeth.

Do Bonded Teeth Require Special Care?
No, they need the same care you’d give your regular teeth. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss at least once a day and see your dentist for regular professional check-ups and cleanings.
Bonding can chip, so some habits to avoid are:

Biting your fingernails
Chewing on pens, ice or other hard objects
Using your bonded teeth as a bottle opener

If you notice any sharp edges on a bonded tooth, or if it feels odd when you bite down, call your dentist.

How Long Does Bonding Last?
Typically, anywhere from three to 10 years. However, this depends on how much bonding was done and how you care for your bonded teeth.