Dental
bonding is one of the most affordable procedures available to
patients who need to get chipped or cracked teeth fixed. Dental
bonding relies on a strong, plastic material called a resin, which is
applied in a putty-like state and exposed to a special light to
harden it and, ultimately, bonds to the tooth.
Tooth bonding
procedures typically take place in three phases. First, of course, is
preparation. During the preparation phase, the tooth is prepped to
receive the resin. Usually, this will involve cleaning the tooth to
expose its actual color from beneath any overlying stain. The dentist
then compares the color of the teeth to a shade guide, which he then
uses as an aide for selecting the composite resin color that most
closely matches.
During the application
phase, the surface of the tooth is roughened, and a conditioning
liquid is applied. Both these steps improve the bonding material’s
ability to adhere to the tooth. The resin is then applied and worked
to the desired shape.
Finally, during the
hardening and finishing phase, the special hardening light—usually
ultraviolet or laser—is shone on the material. Afterward, any
imperfections are trimmed, and the material is polished to match the
natural sheen of the rest of the tooth.
