Three Types of Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is one of the most versatile treatments performed by dentists, and it can be used to address a wide range of issues like tooth decay, damage, and discoloration. Also known as composite bonding, it is one of the most affordable treatments provided by dentists. The treatment can typically be completed during a single visit.

Some of the issues dental bonding can be used to fix include:

• Stained and discolored teeth
• Gaps between teeth
• Broken or chipped teeth
• Tooth decay
• Crooked teeth

The different types of dental bonding

There are two main types of dental bonding, as well as a third type that involves veneers. Let us take a closer look at the different ways a dentist can use composite resins to restore the function or appearance of teeth.

1. Direct dental bonding

This is the most common type of composite bonding, and it is completed during a single visit. During the procedure, the dentist cleans the patient’s teeth and uses an etching solution to roughen their exteriors. Roughening a tooth leads to stronger adhesion with the composite.

The putty-like composite is applied to the patient’s tooth in layers, molded appropriately, and hardened with a curing light. The tooth is polished to complete the treatment.

2. Indirect composite bonding

Getting indirect composite bonding is quite similar to getting restorations like crowns. Indirect bonding is typically recommended for moderate to severe damage to a tooth that cannot be fixed with direct bonding.

When performing indirect bonding, the dentist takes an impression of the patient’s tooth during their initial visit and sends it to technicians in a lab where restorations are made. The patient’s customized restoration is made from the impression and sent back to the dentist in about two weeks. During the second visit, the patient’s restoration is cemented to their tooth to complete the treatment.

3. Composite veneers

Composite veneers are the most affordable type of veneers. A veneer is a tooth-shaped shell that is glued to the front part of a tooth. It serves as a mask, covering up any flaws on the tooth's front, like stains and discoloration.

Veneers can be used to transform any smile, and they were developed as a way for movie stars to enhance the appearance of their teeth on screen. Composite veneers are made in a dental lab from an impression of the patient’s teeth. The restorations are cemented to the patient’s teeth to complete the treatment.

Restore your smile with composite bonding

Composite bonding gives you a non-invasive way to fix any issues affecting the function and appearance of your teeth. It does not involve making any permanent changes to the patient’s teeth, like removing enamel, so patients are free to explore other options in the future if they choose to do so. Ready to see how composite bonding can restore your teeth? Give us a call or visit our Baltimore clinic to set up an appointment with our dentist.

Request an appointment here: https://www.perkinsdentalbaltimore.com or call Perkins Dental Care at (410) 789-0551 for an appointment in our Baltimore office.