General Dentist in Tacoma, WA

Hearon Family Dentistry

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Dental Bonding

Patient looking at their teeth with their dentist

Dental bonding is a procedure that we use to repair minor cosmetic concerns for our patients. The material that we use for bonding, composite resin, is also applied in restorative dentistry. For instance, it can be used for fillings. Bonding procedures, however, are far less invasive. This is a good alternative to certain cosmetic procedures, such as veneers. However, they are also not as durable. Hearon Family Dentistry will provide additional information on the bonding procedure and its applications.

Dental Bonding Applications

There are several common conditions for which we use dental bonding, though you can always contact us to see if it can help you. Some cosmetic conditions include discoloration and misshapen teeth. Bonding does also have some medical uses. For example, it can be used to protect the roots of your teeth if you are experiencing gum recession. Bonding is used to repair minor chips and cracks, and to protect the tooth after treating decay as well.

Bonding Procedure

Dental bonding can last between 30 minutes and one hour. If we need to treat another dental condition first, such as a cavity, then we will apply local anesthesia. This ensures that you are numb and do not feel anything while we drill away the decayed material.

In order to help the composite resin adhere to your teeth, our dentist applies an etching solution. This can be applied in either liquid or gel form. This material is acidic and creates a rough texture on the natural tooth surface. Our dentist builds the composite resin in layers. Once the structure is in place, we hold a blue light over the composite resin. This triggers the resin to harden instantly through a chemical reaction. Our dentist can make minor adjustments if necessary, to ensure that your tooth feels smooth.

Caring for Bonded Teeth

The dental bonding procedure does not cause pain, but your tooth may feel wider or a bit rough following the bonding procedure. We will tell you about foods to avoid and how to maintain oral hygiene before you leave.

Composite resin is a cosmetically pleasing option, but it is not always the strongest material. Hard or sticky food could damage the resin and irritate the gums if you had other dental work performed, such as cavity drilling. Composite resin is also not stain-resistant, and it is unresponsive to whitening treatment. We will advise you to avoid foods and drinks with dark pigmentation if possible as these can discolor your teeth.

Regarding oral hygiene, you will simply continue to brush your teeth two times each day and floss them at least one time each day. Our dentist will examine the condition of your dental bond at each of your routine cleanings. We can reapply the composite resin as needed if your dental bond ever needs to be repaired. Composite resin does last for several years, but it is not a lifetime guarantee. Let us know if it ever becomes damaged so that we can schedule a repair. To learn more about dental bonding, call Hearon Family Dentistry at (253) 756-0600.

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