Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is a multi-purpose dental procedure that can be used to fill small holes in your teeth, solve some of the issues that could otherwise be addressed with porcelain veneers, and protect your teeth. The term “dental bonding” refers both to the procedure and to the pliable substance used in the procedure.

Uses for Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is extremely versatile and customizable. It can correct many common cosmetic dental problems including:

Slight crookedness Discoloration Small gaps Misshapen teeth Broken teeth

Teeth that are too short Chipped teeth Cracks Small cavities Tooth erosion

Bonding vs. Veneers

Dental bonding is a soft paste that Dr. Raymond applies to your teeth in increments, sculpting it to the desired shape. It is then hardened with a curing light and polished to be exceedingly smooth and beautiful.

A veneer is an eggshell-thin covering that will be custom-created for you. Dr. Raymond will bond the dental veneer to the face of each tooth chosen for treatment.

Dental bonding and veneers can address many of the same issues, but your individual needs will determine which one is best for you. Both are custom color-matched to your teeth. Porcelain veneers do have limitations however. For example, we probably would not recommend veneers for people with the habit of nail biting or people who clench their teeth a lot. Bonding is somewhat quicker, requires a reasonable amount of original tooth for support, and sometimes can be used in cases where veneers are not appropriate.

Bonding for Fillings

Small cavities can be filled with dental bonding. For very large areas of decay or in teeth where fillings have failed, Dr. Buzz Raymond may recommend crowns.

Repair of Tooth Erosion

Tooth erosion refers to the enamel becoming damaged or worn away. Erosion can be caused by aging, as the teeth are subjected to longer daily wear and tear. Erosion is also caused by anything acidic on the teeth, and there are a great many possibilities in this respect. Sports drinks and sodas are acidic, as are coffee, black tea and fruit juices.

Whatever its cause, loss of enamel thickness by erosion can create:

• Sensitivity by removing some of the protection around the tooth’s nerve.
• Discoloration by allowing the yellow dentin layer to show through.
• Faster decay by leaving the tooth with a thinner covering.

Dental bonding can seal the tooth, usually protecting it from all these problems.

Broken, Short and Misshapen Teeth

Dental bonding requires a reasonable amount of original tooth for support, and can be used to replace up to half of a broken tooth. In this same capacity, it can be used to sculpt length onto a tooth that is too short or to recontour misshapen teeth.

Small Gaps, Chips and Cracks

By building up the teeth on each side of a gap, dental bonding can be a very conservative way to fill small gaps while retaining the natural beauty of your smile. It can seal chips and cracks, protecting your teeth, and restoring comfort.

Learn more about your alternatives by reading about Common Cosmetic Dental Problems.

If you are in the Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota area, please contact us today to schedule a consultation and find out if dental bonding is right for you.