Dental bonding, also known as tooth bonding, uses a strong plastic material known as resin to correct the appearance of a tooth or to protect vulnerable parts of a tooth. It often serves the latter purpose when gums have receded, exposing a portion of the root. It also may be useful to repair cracked or chipped teeth, to make widely spaced teeth appear closer together, or to restore teeth to their natural shape and color.
The process of dental bonding is simple and often painless. Local anesthetic is usually necessary only if the dentist must drill into the tooth to facilitate reshaping, or if the area to be restored is near a nerve. After performing these preparatory steps, the dentist will roughen the surface of the tooth and apply a conditioning material, which helps the resin stick to the tooth.
The dentist then places the resin on the tooth and molds it to the desired shape. When the resin is ready, a bright laser hardens it, after which time the dentist can refine the shape. The full procedure typically takes between 30 and 60 minutes.
Patients seeking more information can call Dr. Garcia at 505-821-6119 or visit www.roderickgarciadmd.com.