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The
term bonding is used to describe procedures where tooth-colored
dental resins and composites are used. Direct bonding techniques
can be used to change the shape and color of teeth as well as
to close unattractive spaces. It can also be used to repair chipped
or broken teeth or even to cover up unsightly stains. Unlike crowns
or caps, direct bonding requires only a minimal amount of tooth
reduction thus making it a very conservative procedure.
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After slight
preparation, the tooth is etched with a weak phosphoric acid solution
to create a more porous and rougher surface for increased bonding
strength. Next, a composite (plastic) resin is placed on the tooth
and shaped, contoured and hardened with a special curing light.
It is then further shaped and highly polished creating a very
natural appearance. The procedure usually requires only one visit
and is not painful.
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The bonded
composite has an average life of four to eight years, and often
lasts longer depending on how and where in the mouth it is applied
and how it is maintained. The area can be touched up and even
re-bonded over time as necessary.
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Natural tooth-colored
fillings have become widely accepted and are often used in place
of metallic restorations where aesthetics is a primary concern.
There are even studies that show that in some cases, use of certain
tooth-colored materials can strengthen a tooth, making it a better
choice than the metallic predecessor - amalgam. Two basic types
of tooth-colored restorations are used: composite and ceramic.
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Composites
have been used for many years however their chemical make-up
has changed and improved exponentially. The bonding agents
used to make the composites adhere to the tooth have improved
just as dramatically. Because of the improvements, the use
of composites has become widely accepted by dentists and
the indications for their use are more numerous. They are
being used to close undesirable spaces, improve the shape,
size and color of a tooth, replace an unsightly amalgam
restoration, cover abraded or worn areas of a tooth (usually
at the gum line) and to cover stains. Composites can also
be used to protect thermally sensitive areas and to repair
and strengthen broken teeth.
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Once
the tooth has been prepared and all decay removed, chemicals
and materials are placed on the tooth to increase bond strength
and to protect the tooth. Next, the composite material is
placed incrementally into the tooth and is hardened by exposure
to a special curing light. The restoration is then contoured
to fit the bite and then is highly polished. These fillings
require a bit more time than the silver fillings because
of the number of steps involved. Composite fillings can
also be a bit more sensitive, at first, to extreme hot and
cold and they may discolor over time if the patient smokes
or drinks a lot of coffee, tea or cola. They can also be
more expensive and some composites may wear faster than
silver fillings; however, they yield a much more natural
and aesthetic result.
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This
health article is made available by
Dr. Rex Hoang DMD a Dentist. DC Dental Spa office at 1325
18th St. Northwest, Suite 203 Washington, DC 20036. Dr.
Rex Hoang DMD is easily accessible from Glen Echo, Ft
Myer, Fort Washington, Brentwood, Falls Church, Dunn Loring,
Garrett Park, Kensington, Cabin John, Chevy Chase, Riverdale,
College Park, Alexandria, Oxon Hill, Arlington, Bethesda,
Bladensburg, Washington.
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STATE
OF THE ART DENTAL CARE
ONE PATIENT AT A TIME |
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