Advances in dentistry continue to make dental restorations easier and more beautiful than ever before, and dental bonding is no different. Offered as both a restorative and a cosmetic procedure, dental bonding allows dentists to add material to individual teeth to correct a long list of problems. Here is a brief guide to how dental bonding works and how it could help you. 

Understanding Dental Bonding

What Are Composite Resins? 

The dental bonding material, also referred to as composite resins, are made from ground glass, ceramic, and plastics that cure when they come in contact with UV light. Composite resins come in a wide variety of shades for dentists to choose from, allowing them to match restorations to your teeth perfectly. 

After the tooth is cleaned, dentists apply a special etching compound to the surface of teeth to improve adhesion. Next, the composite resin is piped into place around the tooth, and the dentist uses a small handheld UV light to cure the material. During curing, the resin adheres to both dentin and dental enamel, creating a strong bond. After the material has cured, it can be shaped and polished. 

What Benefits Does Bonding Offer? 

Dental bonding helps dentists correct problems like surface discoloration, small cracks, chipped teeth, and even gaps between the teeth. If you have a large gap, dentists may even choose to add a small amount of bonding material to each side of the void, using a special spacer between the teeth to recreate natural contours. Modern composite resins are incredibly durable, capable of lasting as long as 10 years with proper brushing and flossing. 

Whether you are concerned about a recently chipped tooth or have a gap between your front teeth that has always bothered you, the team of dentists at Elm Dental Care in Saint Charles, MO, can help. In addition to working with patients to create completely personalized treatment plans, this dental practice focuses on bringing state-of-the-art equipment and procedures to their patients, making visits more comfortable and effective. To find out how they can help you, visit them online or call (636) 916-4848 to schedule an appointment.