| Bonding Cosmetic bonding, often called resin bonding, is when a tooth coloured resin is bonded to your teeth, then sculpted into the proper shape. The resin is a composite of liquid acrylic and tiny particles of glass. The composite resin forms a durable, stain-resistant surface that can be polished to look like your natural teeth. Bonding is used to whiten stained teeth, to stabilize loose teeth, and to replace missing teeth. With resin bonding, you can change the color, the shape, and the position of your teeth. In general, resin bonding is a fast fix for improving your smile. While bonding is a wonderful technique, it will not solve all restorative dental problems. Where a large portion of the tooth surface is damaged, a veneer crown may be more advisable. Because the tooth surface is left intact, bonding isn't painful, and doesn't harm the tooth. The procedure is normally completed without local anesthetic or tooth preparation. In most cases, bonding requires only one visit to the dentist. The acrylic materials used in bonding do not last as long as your typical crown. Bonds will eventually chip or become discoloured. The bonded plastic coating can break off if you bite down on something hard or accidentally fall and bump your tooth. Bonds last an average of five years. Bonded teeth are also more susceptible to stains than your natural teeth. Smoking cigarettes, drinking tea or coffee, and even eating blueberries may cause some discolouration.  | First, the surface of the tooth is etched with a mild acidic solution. |  | Next, the resin is spread over the tooth. |  | A bright beam of light locks the resins onto the tooth surface. Each layer hardens in minutes. |  | After the last coat has been applied and hardened, the bonded material is shaped and polished. |
Veneers Veneers are very thin coverings that are custom made from porcelain for concealing the surfaces of your teeth. They can make uneven teeth even, make stained teeth appear white, fill in gaps between teeth, and make broken teeth appear whole.
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Even though veneers are a thin covering, they are extremely strong and durable and will generally not need to be replaced for 4-10 years. Applying veneers is a 2-visit procedure. During your first visit, your teeth will be prepared for the application of veneers by the removal of a very thing layer of enamel. A mold of your teeth will also be taken in order for the veneers to be custom made for your mouth. You may need to alter your diet until your next visit, which is about one week, because your teeth may be slightly sensitive to hot and cold. You should continue to brush and floss as usual.
Your second visit will generally last longer than your first and you may be given a local anesthetic depending on the sensitivity of your teeth. The veneers are then applied to your teeth with a light sensitive liquid adhesive that is the color of your natural teeth. A bonding light dries and hardens the adhesive. Next, your veneers are polished to blend with your other teeth. About one week after you have your veneers, you will need to have an evaluation visit to ensure that your veneers are properly placed. You should care for your veneers just as you would your natural teeth. They should be brushed after each meal and before bedtime and flossed daily. You should not bite on anything hard that may damage or bend your veneers, especially nail biting. You may also experience some sensitivity to hot and cold, which usually subsides within two weeks. Application of veneers is a virtually painless procedure usually done with no anesthetic. Veneers are often less expensive than other coverings such as crowns. |
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