Uses for Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is a form of composite resin that dentists use to change the shape and color of your teeth. Unlike other dental procedures, dental bonding is both quick and non-permanent. With dental bonding, you don’t have to undergo an invasive procedure. Additionally, you can have the process reversed at any point. Due to its flexible nature, dentists can use it for a variety of cosmetic and restorative purposes.

Woman getting her teeth examined at the dentist dentist in Medford New Jersey

Cavities

One of the most common places that you will see the use of dental bonding is with cavities. Because dental bonding is tooth-colored, it blends with the color of your tooth. This makes it nearly impossible for anyone to see that you have a filling. Therefore, it looks as though you haven’t had a dental procedure. 

When you have a cavity, your dentist has to remove the decayed portion of your tooth to keep it from advancing. Before your procedure, your dentist will numb the area so that you don’t feel any part of the process. Then, they will use a drill to carve out all the decay. Next, they thoroughly clean the tooth to ensure there is no chance of infection. Finally, they fill the pit with dental resin in order to protect the tooth and stabilize the structure. 

Teeth Whitening

You may not associate teeth whitening with dental bonding. In fact, your first ideas of whitening probably concern whitening trays or LED lights. Additionally, your dentist most likely offers a professional whitening treatment. However, there are some dental situations that even a professional whitening treatment cannot change. Unfortunately, whitening treatments have their own limitations. 

Some medical treatments or medications can significantly diminish the whiteness of your teeth. For example, some radiation or chemotherapy can discolor your teeth. Additionally, some antibiotics, antihistamines, and high blood pressure medications can unexpectedly change the color of your teeth. To treat this type of discoloration, you need a method that doesn’t use bleaching agents. This is where dental bonding can fix your problems. 

Rather than trying to alter a stain chemically, dental bonding camouflages the discoloration. 

Chipped or Cracked Teeth

For minor chips or cracks, your dentist can use dental bonding to restore the shape of your tooth. If a chip is small, you may not think it is necessary to go through any procedure. However, it would be best if you considered fixing any break in your enamel. If your enamel is damaged, you risk developing cavities or advanced tooth decay. 

Imagine the enamel as a dam that keeps out a river of bacteria from infecting the inside of your tooth. If the dam cracks or breaks, it allows a flow of bacteria to seep inside your tooth. Without treatment, it can develop into a cavity. Alternatively, the portion of your tooth that is cracked can wear away prematurely. 

Dental bonding can halt this process. Rather than losing more of your tooth, your dentist can replace it. In fact, they can make it look as though you never experienced any damage to your tooth.