Cosmetic Bonding

Dental bonding uses a composite resin material to mask cosmetic imperfections in your smile while simultaneously protecting your teeth from future damage. The resin used is customized in both colour and application to match the surrounding tooth shade and address individual aesthetic flaws.

Problems Dental Bonding Addresses

While dental bonding is a more conservative approach than porcelain veneers or porcelain fillings, the imperfections it can correct are similar, including:

• Tooth decay – Small holes caused by decay are filled by the resin used in dental bonding
• Tooth discolouration – Dental bonding effectively masks intrinsic stains otherwise resistant to traditional tooth whitening techniques
• Crooked teeth – By precisely sculpting the resin to the desired tooth shape, dental bonding is able to correct the appearance of crooked teeth
• Chipped or broken teeth – Failing to address a chipped or broken tooth can lead to further tooth decay, be the source of embarrassment, or cause physical pain. Up to half of a tooth can be replaced through dental bonding
• Gaps – Undesirable spaces between teeth can be filled
• Tooth erosion – Any eroded enamel can be replaced by the resin, preventing further erosion

Please note: Dental bonding is not as effective in multiple tooth applications as dental veneers.

The Dental Bonding Procedure

The dental bonding procedure is quick and non-invasive:

• First, the composite resin material is applied to your teeth in a paste form
• The paste is sculpted to the desired shape, which will correct some smile imperfections
• A specially calibrated light cures the resin, hardening it in place
• Any final adjustments are made, allowing the restoration to appear natural and clean

The Lifespan of Dental Bonding

While some patients experience dental bonding success for upwards of fifteen years, some require touch-ups to address stain accumulation along the resin’s margins.

Below are tips to ensure the longevity of your dental bonding:

• Provide regular maintenance by brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush and flossing daily
• Reduce your consumption of sweets or starchy foods
• Visit a hygienist skilled in dental bonding maintenance two to four times per year for cleaning

Dental bonding is an efficient and economical method to address minor smile imperfections. However, it is not meant as a replacement for veneers.

If you are interested in learning more about this service or desire to improve your smile then 
contact McKenzie Towne Family Dental today at (403) 257-1180.