Dental Bonding

Dental Bonding Dagsboro, DE

Dental Bonding otherwise known as composite resin filling material can be used as a restorative procedure for teeth that are chipped, cracked, discolored, or disarranged.

Composite resin fillings are the most common alternative to dental amalgam. They are sometimes called “tooth-colored” or “white fillings” because of their color. Composite resin fillings are made of a type of plastic (an acrylic resin) reinforced with powdered glass filler. The color (shade) of composite resins can be customized to closely match surrounding teeth. Composite resin fillings are often light-cured by a “blue-light” in layers to build up the final restoration.

How does it work?

The tooth is prepared for the procedure by lightly etching the surface and applying a bonding liquid. Once the liquid sets, a plastic resin is applied and sculpted into the desired shape by the dentist. Once set, the resin is trimmed, smoothed, and polished to a natural appearance.

Considerations

The bonding procedure can often be completed in a single office visit and can improve the appearance of a tooth significantly. However, since the plastic resin used is not as strong as your natural tooth enamel, it is more likely to stain, chip, or break than natural teeth. Bonding lasts typically three to five years before they need repair.

Advantages of composite resin fillings include:

  • Available in colors that blend in with surrounding teeth
  • High strength
  • Allows for minimal removal of healthy tooth structure for placement

Disadvantages of composite resin fillings include:

  • May not bond to the tooth as well in the presence of moisture
  • May be more difficult to place than dental amalgam in certain clinical situations and can blend in with tooth structure making removal difficult without removing tooth structure
  • Potentially lower durability than dental amalgam and therefore may be at greater risk for fracture and the need for replacement
  • Higher cost of placement