Understanding Dental Bonding

Bonding, the joining of two different materials to each other, is used extensively in general and cosmetic dentistry procedures. Fillings, for example, are materials that have been bonded on to the outer layer of the tooth, while crowns are tiny caps bonded atop the remaining portion of a damaged tooth.

There are two common types of bonding procedures, each serving a different purpose. . Bonding is generally applied to attach two surfaces as in the case of fillings or crowns so the restoration material will adhere to the tooth material, but it can be applied straight to a tooth to improve aesthetics. Direct bonding is useful in situations like mending a cracked tooth, or filling in a chip.

The degree of decay or damage to a tooth also has a bearing on the choice of an applicable bonding process.

A tooth with a lot of damage or decay may need to be covered up completely. Problems like poorly aligned teeth, teeth with gaps in between, or decay that a conventional filling is unable to treat are situations where complete coverage treatment may be recommended.Dentists typically attach dental veneers surface when faced with this sort of condition. Porcelain is the usual material from which veneers are made according to the patient’s exact requirement.

When a tooth cannot be repaired through direct bonding it usually becomes a candidate for a dental crown.A dental crown is a small cover that is bonded to the remaining natural tooth and provides protection from further wear, damage and decay.

No matter what type of bonding is required, the patient needs to be sure that their dentist is well skilled. A dentist who is otherwise highly talented may not be very comfortable with the bonding process, and it is to the patient’s advantage to find out their dentist’s capabilities.

In order for bonding to function properly the tooth must be completely isolated, and most dentists employ a "rubber dam" which is slipped around the tooth inside of a powerful clamp. This system stops saliva from spoiling the seal between the bonding material and the tooth. Next, a dentist will “etch” the tooth with phosphoric acid to give it the coarse texture used to enhance the bond, and then place the resin on the tooth, shaping and contouring it as desired. This method is followed for both fillings and other restorative work, and each dentist has their own approach to these techniques. During a follow-up appointment, the dentist will make sure that the seal is secure and the patient is happy with the result.