TOOTH BONDING
Composite resin material used in tooth bonding is a little miracle worker.
Materials that match the shade, translucency and texture of your teeth
can be used to fix just about any problem, including chips, cracks,
discoloration, gaps, building up worn down areas and making a crooked tooth
appear straight. Resin material can even be used to build an entire set
of
veneers.
It's a huge misconception that veneers can only be made of
porcelain. In fact, there has been excellent,
natural-looking results using composite resin bonding, which is a very
long-lasting and versatile material.
The key lies in the dentist's understanding of the tooth structure, the science
of color and the artistic ability to sculpt the teeth. During
the process, a diluted acid is applied to the tooth enamel to produce a
surface which looks like a series of microscopic mountains and valleys. This
area is then filled with a liquid plastic that adheres to the surface of the
tooth when hardened and allows the further bonding of a composite filling material.
This composite can be artistically shaped into the form and color of a
natural-looking tooth. The average tooth bonding application may last from five to eight years.
Although some dentists claim that if done by a dentist who is skilled and knowledgeable
in how to use the materials, tooth bonding can last much longer.
BEFORE AND AFTER: BONDING
The patient had multiple gaps between her teeth which were fixed in one appointment
using composite resin bonding.
Procedure performed by Ronald Goldstein, DDS; Atlanta, GA