What is Tooth Bonding? Teeth bonding is a dental procedure in which a tooth-colored resin material (a durable plastic material) is applied and hardened with a special light used predominantly in a dental clinic, which ultimately "bonds" the material to the tooth to restore or improve a person's smile. Reasons for Tooth Bonding There are many reasons to get tooth bonding. Some of them are as follows: For repairing decayed and damaged teeth To repair chipped or cracked teeth To improve the appearance of discolored teeth To close spaces between teeth To change the shape of teeth As a cosmetic alternative to amalgam fillings To protect a portion of the tooth's root that has been exposed when gums recede Procedure for Getting Tooth Bonding Following are the steps that are involved in tooth bonding: Step 1 (Preparation) The patient is to be prepared for a tooth bonding procedure beforehand. Anesthesia is often not necessary unless the bonding is being used to fill a decayed tooth. The dentist will use a shade guide to select a composite resin color that will closely match the color of the patient's tooth's original color. Step 2 (The bonding process) The dentist will roughen the surface of the tooth and apply a conditioning liquid. These procedures help the bonding material adhere to the tooth. The tooth-colored, putty-like resin is applied, molded, and smoothed to the desired shape. The material is hardened with a bright (usually blue) light or laser. After the material hardens, the dentist will further trim and shape it, then polish it to match the rest of the tooth surface. Step 3 (Finishing) Teeth bonding takes about 30 to 60 minutes for each tooth to complete.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Teeth Bonding Advantages: Teeth bonding is among the easiest and least expensive cosmetic dental procedures. Unlike veneers and crowns, which are customized tooth coverings that must be manufactured in a lab, bonding usually can be done in one dental visit unless several teeth are involved. Another advantage, compared with veneers and crowns, is that the least amount of tooth enamel is removed. Anesthesia is usually not required. Disadvantages: Dental bonding does not resist stains as well as crowns. The bonding materials do not last as long, nor are they as strong as crowns, veneers, or fillings. Also, bonding materials can chip and break off of the tooth. Inlays An inlay is defined as a dental restoration that has been constructed out of the mouth from gold, porcelain, or other metal and then cemented into the prepared cavity of the tooth. Onlays An onlay covers the cusp and adjoining occlusal surface of the tooth. They are also prepared outside the oral cavity and later placed in the mouth. Procedure for Getting Inlays and Onlays Inlays and Onlays are also a part of the tooth bonding categories. The steps that are included in getting inlays or onlays are as follows: Step 1 (Cleaning and preparing) This involves using special dental instruments to remove damaged or decayed parts of the patient’s tooth. The patient is then given a local anesthetic before the dentist begins the procedure to ensure that the patient is comfortable. The working dental professional is also conservative with the removal process to help keep as much of the natural tooth structure as possible. Step 2 (Tooth impression) The dentist will create the mold or impression by positioning dental putty over the prepared tooth. The mold will then be sent to a dental lab for inlay or onlay fabrication. Step 3 (Temporary tooth restoration placement) The patient will have to wait to receive their inlay or onlay, the dentist will place a temporary filling to protect the tooth between appointments. Step 4 (Second visit) During the second visit, the dentist will clean and prepare the patient’s tooth for the permanent inlay or onlay. First, there is the removal of the temporary filling and then fit your tooth restoration in place. Step 5 (Fitting and bonding) The dentist will ensure that the inlay or onlay is fitted perfectly before they bond it to your tooth with dental cement. Once the fit looks and feels right, the tooth restoration will be expertly polished until it is as smooth as the patient’s natural teeth. Reasons for Getting Inlays and Onlays Some of the reasons that are involved in getting inlays and onlays are the following: Bring a natural white to the smile Extend the life of your teeth A durable solution to damaged teeth The safest options for your dental health Veneers Dental veneers, sometimes called porcelain veneers, are wafer-thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front surface of teeth to improve your appearance. Reasons to Get Veneers There are many reasons for getting veneers. Some of them are as follows: Protecting cracked or chipped teeth Filling in the missing gaps Altering the tooth’s shape Hiding permanent stains Forming a better and brighter smile

Procedure for Getting Veneers Veneers are a simple procedure, the steps involved are as follows: Step 1 (Diagnosis and treatment planning) During this appointment, your dentist will examine your teeth to make sure dental veneers are right for you and discuss the procedure and some of its limits. They may take X-rays and possibly make impressions of your mouth and teeth. Step 2 (Preparation) To prepare a tooth for a veneer, your dentist will reshape the tooth surface, which is an amount nearly equal to the thickness of the veneer to be added to the tooth surface. A local anesthetic is given to numb the area before trimming off the enamel. Next, your dentist will make a model, or impression, of your tooth. This model is sent out to a dental laboratory, which makes your veneer. It usually takes 2-4 weeks for the veneers to come back from the laboratory. Temporary dental veneers can be used in the meantime. Step 3 (Bonding) Your dentist will place the veneer on your tooth to examine its fit and color, repeatedly removing and trimming the veneer to achieve the proper fit before permanently cementing it to your tooth. The veneer color can be adjusted with the shade of cement to be used. Next, to prepare your tooth to receive the veneer, your tooth will be cleaned, polished, and etched. Etching roughens the tooth to allow for a strong bonding process. A special cement is applied to the veneer, and it is then placed on your tooth. Once the veneer is positioned correctly, your dentist will shine a special light beam on it to activate chemicals in the cement, causing it to harden very quickly. The final steps involve removing any excess cement, checking your bite, and making any needed adjustments. Your dentist may ask you to return for a follow-up visit in a couple of weeks to check your gums and the veneer's placement.