Dental Bonding
Portland, OR
Dental Bonding provided by Dr. Sheryl Weissman
in Portland, OR at Weissman Dental
 Do you have a cracked, chipped, or severely decayed or discolored tooth? You’ll be glad to learn that you have multiple options when it comes to restoring it to its original look and function. One option for restoration is known as dental bonding, which is often a great cosmetic solution for compromised teeth. Bonding is a very simple, straightforward, and cost-effective procedure that we routinely perform at Weissman Dental.
What Is Tooth Bonding?
Dental bonding is a cosmetic restoration that involves the application of a layer of composite resin to the surface of a tooth to repair or restore it for various reasons. The entire procedure can usually be completed in a single visit to our office. Dental bonding can correct multiple dental issues, but is most commonly used for correcting chipped or discolored teeth. However, this procedure can also serve to elongate or reshape teeth, as well as close gaps between teeth. In addition, bonding can be used as an alternative to metallic or amalgam fillings in order to protect tooth roots that have been exposed due to receding gums.
What to Expect From the Dental Bonding Procedure
The first step you can expect from a bonding procedure is using a shade guide to choose the shade of resin that best matches the natural color of the tooth to be bonded. Prior to applying the bonding material, we will roughen the tooth’s surface and coat it with a conditioning liquid, both of which will help the material stick to the tooth more effectively. Then, we will mold a putty-like resin over the tooth to use as a guide for giving the bonding the proper shape. Once we’ve hardened this material with an ultraviolet light or laser, we will complete the finishing touches like additional polishing and shaping of the bonding material. If you are only having one tooth bonded, the procedure will take between 30 minutes and an hour to complete. Having multiple teeth bonded, however, can take multiple visits. A big upside to dental bonding is that you can return to normal activity immediately because it is very rare that a bonding procedure requires anesthesia.
Is There a Downside to Tooth Bonding?
The only downside to dental bonding is that the resin it is made from is not nearly as strong as your natural teeth. However, if you are careful not to bite down on ice, popcorn kernels, or hard candy, you reduce the risk of chipping your bonding considerably. You can also look at the bright side and take this opportunity to kick habits that are hard on your teeth like nail-biting or chewing on pens. Bonding material is also susceptible to staining just like your natural teeth, so if you want to keep your bonded teeth as white as possible, try to moderate your intake of coffee, tea, red wine, and other highly pigmented or acidic food or beverages. For a few days following a bonding procedure, be aware of any sharp edges on your bonded tooth or teeth or any unusual sensations when you bite down.
If you believe tooth bonding might be the cosmetic procedure you need to restore your smile, give Weissman Dental a call at (503) 274-2222 with any questions or to schedule an appointment. |
