What is Bonding?
Having a beautiful and aesthetically pleasing smile is something everyone desires. As a natural consequence, modern dentistry focuses on improving the aesthetics of individuals’ smiles and offers many different options to achieve this without the need for complex surgical procedures. Dental fillings are among the most commonly performed dental procedures today. A routine procedure that improves the health and aesthetic appearance of teeth, dental fillings prevent many dental problems in the long term. Modern dentistry offers excellent solutions in the form of dental fillings, one of which is cosmetic fillings. Cosmetic fillings are among the most frequently performed cosmetic dentistry procedures for people who want to achieve their dream smile. It is a preferred method for repairing worn, chipped, or otherwise damaged teeth. In such cases, the color and shape of the teeth are corrected using white aesthetic dental fillings. This results in a permanent and exceptionally natural surface.
Bonding
What are the stages of bonding treatment?
Bonding is a dental procedure performed by applying tooth-colored resin to broken, crooked, or spaced-out teeth to correct their position, size, or shape. It plays an important role in improving the overall aesthetics of the smile by tightly bonding to the existing tissues of the tooth to be treated. The adhesive materials used in dental bonding can adhere to almost any material, such as enamel, dentin, metal, porcelain, ceramic, or zirconia, with a single application. This ensures that the fillings last for a long time. The bonding method is used to replace broken parts of teeth. The bonding method can be used to lengthen a tooth and bring it to the same level as the others. Mild misalignments in teeth, gaps between teeth, and teeth where the desired result cannot be achieved with teeth whitening methods can be treated with the bonding method.
Bonding laminate crowns or veneers are much more affordable than other cosmetic dentistry procedures.
Contents
Cleaning - Color Selection
The tooth surface is cleaned, and if there is decay on the surface to be bonded, it is removed and the surface is prepared for the procedure. The tooth color is determined.
Application
Bonding material is applied to the cleaned tooth surface, and a composite in the selected tooth color is shaped correctly to fit the tooth form using the appropriate technique and hardened with blue light.
Finishing - Polishing
The composite filling is shaped with finishing burs, then the surface is smoothed and polished using a polishing disc and rubber polishers to complete the procedure.
The lifespan of bonding applications largely depends on maintaining good oral and dental health. Since teeth treated with bonding do not have the same strength as natural teeth, certain habits can shorten their lifespan. Therefore, care should be taken not to bite down too hard and to limit consumption of substances that can cause discoloration of the teeth. Generally, bonding has a lifespan of 3 to 10 years.
What are the advantages of bonding treatments?
The primary advantage of bonding solutions is that they can be applied to areas as small as a few millimeters while minimally affecting tooth structure. This allows gaps between teeth, fractures, and teeth that remain discolored after filling treatments to be easily restored to an aesthetic appearance using the bonding method.
The bonding method allows for the correction of many imperfections in a single treatment, including discoloration, gaps between teeth, cracks, and more. Compared to other cosmetic dentistry procedures such as porcelain veneers, bonding is one of the most economical options available. Since it is a procedure that can be completed in a single session, it also saves time. During the bonding procedure, a minimal amount of healthy tooth structure is removed. Therefore, if necessary, the composite resin can be easily removed without causing any damage to the teeth. Since it is a simple procedure, it is possible to treat multiple teeth in a single appointment.
In which cases bonding could be applied?
Bonding allows us to change the color and shape of teeth. It may be preferred in the following situations:
- Cavities
- Permanent discoloration
- Closing gaps between teeth (diastema)
- Lengthening teeth or changing tooth size
What is the Cost of Bonding Treatment? What Does the Cost of Bonding Treatment Depend On?
Bonding treatment prices are primarily determined by factors such as the number of teeth you plan to have bonded and whether the patient will undergo any other treatment before or after the bonding procedure. The quality of the composite and bonding material used, as well as your dentist’s skill, are other factors that can affect prices. However, it is an affordable option among aesthetic treatments performed on front teeth because there is no laboratory fee. If you live in Istanbul and want to have bonding done on your teeth by the best dentists, you can visit our dental clinic in Kartal and achieve your dream teeth and smile in the shortest time possible.
What Are the Differences Between Bonding Treatment and Porcelain Veneers?
When starting the laminate process, the first step is to decide which material to choose.
The aesthetics, durability, and polished surfaces of porcelain laminates are superior to those prepared in a laboratory setting. Composite laminates can also be prepared in a laboratory setting if desired and can strengthen weak points. However, the composite absorbs moisture from the environment and discoloration can cause problems in the long term. Porcelain laminates are superior in this respect.
Composite laminates are more practical and cheaper because they can be applied directly in the patient’s mouth in a single session. They are also easy to repair. They are ideal if the patient has time and financial constraints. Excellent oral hygiene is essential. Otherwise, the life of composite laminates will be shortened. They may be preferred over porcelain because they are easy to repair in cases of bruxism. The dentist performing the procedure must have excellent technique and artistry.
Since porcelain laminates are prepared in a laboratory, they cannot be completed in a single session, and the cost will inevitably increase. Digital laminates shorten the laboratory process but are not as practical as the direct method. However, porcelain laminates are superior in terms of aesthetics, durability, and longevity.
The aforementioned digital laminates require digital measurements and special laboratory equipment. They are computer-assisted specialized procedures. Despite their high cost, they have become increasingly popular in recent years due to the comfort they offer to both the patient and the dentist.
Additionally, regardless of the material used, a measurement can be taken from the patient before starting the procedures to create a mock-up model, allowing the patient to have a preliminary idea. This is preferable as it eliminates unpleasant surprises.
In summary, both materials have their strengths. The decision should be based on the patient’s medical history. Laminates, which are a conservative and aesthetic solution, should always be preferred over porcelain crowns when conditions allow.
Does bonding damage teeth? How is it done? Will my teeth be reduced in size?
No cutting or drilling is performed on the teeth. Applications include bonding, polishing, and composite applications. This allows the length and color of the teeth to be adjusted and imperfections to be eliminated.
Does bonding cause discoloration in the teeth?
The materials used in the application are almost identical to the natural structure of the tooth. Therefore, color change should be considered as it occurs in normal teeth. Additionally, the polishing process performed during the application removes the surface that causes staining and color change, resulting in less color change compared to normal teeth. A person’s diet and dental care also affect the color change process. Consuming excessively acidic foods causes staining. This is a process also observed in normal teeth. The beverages that cause yellowing and color change in teeth the most are tea, coffee, and cigarettes. These products adhere to the tooth surface and cause color change. Since normal tooth surfaces are rougher, the effect of these products is more immediate. Bonded tooth surfaces are smoother, so the effect of these products is less noticeable. The solution is very simple. Reducing consumption of these types of foods and beverages eliminates the problem of discoloration.
Is bonding expensive?
The purpose of the application is to serve as an alternative to very costly procedures such as porcelain teeth. Porcelain veneers or full porcelain crowns are very expensive procedures. Bonding, on the other hand, is a cheaper and less costly application compared to porcelain veneers.
How long does the bonding application last?
A material called composite resin, produced from a plastic mixture, is used in bonding applications. Starting with its use on front teeth, modern medical technology now allows it to be applied to back teeth as well. Bonding, which is among protective dental treatments, can be used to whiten teeth and resolve various problems. Methods applied to the surface of natural teeth correct imperfections in color and shape. The bonding procedure, which patients seek for various reasons, is performed by professional specialists. Before the treatment, which is performed by experienced dentists in this field, any cavities in the teeth are cleaned. The treatment is completed in a short time, and it can be applied to different teeth in the same session. The bonding application can last in the mouth for 7 to 10 years.
What should be done after bonding?
Bonding is a procedure that does not involve touching the teeth in any way, i.e., without polishing. It essentially means that the material adheres to the tooth surface. It aims to bond composite nanomaterials, an aesthetic material for dental fillings, to the tooth. It can be removed at any time. Applying adhesive is a permanent procedure and can be used for approximately 8-10 years. The bonding application takes about 20-30 minutes. It is necessary to stay away from colored foods and drinks as much as possible for the first 48 hours to protect against stains or minimize their formation.
How long does cosmetic filler last?
If routine oral care is performed thoroughly and dental check-ups are not neglected, problems such as deformation, leakage, or gaps in aesthetic fillings will not occur. By completing the necessary maintenance processes for aesthetic fillings during routine dental visits, it is possible to make them last longer. The lifespan of cosmetic fillings basically depends on how well the person takes care of their oral hygiene. However, the quality of the material used in the application and the expertise of the dentist are also factors that affect the lifespan of cosmetic fillings. In addition to all these, the location and size of the cosmetic filling are also directly related to its lifespan. If all these points are given the necessary attention, the lifespan of cosmetic fillings varies between 5 and 7 years on average.
Can a filling be placed on a front tooth?
Aesthetic fillings can be used to treat cavities or other problems in the front teeth. This provides a natural-looking solution that does not cause aesthetic concerns, resolving existing issues in the front teeth.
Do front tooth fillings discolor?
If oral hygiene is neglected, especially in the case of front tooth fillings, and if care is not taken with the foods and beverages consumed, discoloration may occur over time.
Is sensitivity after a dental filling normal?
The development of sensitivity to hot and cold after dental filling treatment is considered normal. Although this condition resolves on its own after a while, using toothpastes or mouthwashes with sensitivity-reducing properties can be a comfort-enhancing factor.