Bonding in dentistry involves the connecting of two materials to one another, and is often required in most common and cosmetic dental procedures. For example, fillings are composite materials that are bonded to the surface of the tooth, while crowns are small casings bonded to the remaining portion of a damaged tooth.
There are two common types of bonding procedures, each serving a different purpose. Bonding may be used to make two surfaces adhere to each other, such as in the case of fillings or attaching crowns, but it can also be applied directly to a tooth to create a desired effect.
The extent of dental bonding varies according to the level of damage or decay being repaired.
A tooth with a lot of damage or decay may need to be covered up completely. Misalignment of the teeth, gaps or decay that cannot be treated with conventional filling are the kind of problems that require this type of covering. Dentists typically attach dental veneers surface when faced with this sort of condition. Veneers are usually made of porcelain and are handcrafted for each individual’s mouth. Once a tooth has been prepared and the veneer placed, the patient will have a perfectly natural and durable smile.
If the tooth has become irreparable by direct bonding technique, a dental crown is the next recommended treatment. Dental crowns are small cap-like restorations which fully cover the remainder of the original tooth by bonding to it and protecting it from any more wear and tear.
Whenever some kind of a dental bonding is necessary, the patient should be confident about the knowledge and skill of the dentist.
For the bonding to work perfectly, the dentist will place a “rubber dam” around the tooth via a strong clamp. This prevents moisture of any kind from reaching the tooth and ruining the seal between the bonding material and the surface of the tooth. Then, the tooth is “etched” with phosphoric acid to give it a rough finish to improve the bond, followed by application of resin and shaping and curing. This system is used in fillings and other restorative work, each dentist having their own unique techniques. A follow-up visit with your Centerville or Kettering dentist should be planned after the bonding process to make sure that desired result has been achieved.