| Bonding is a
term to describe the process whereby dental fillings and materials
are attached to the enamel and dentine of teeth on a microscopic level.
Because it is used in so many procedures today the term is used rather
loosely, but most people associate bonding with the process of placing
white filling material on the front of the teeth to make cosmetic
changes. In essence what we are doing is applying a thin layer or
veneer of filling material to the front of the teeth to change the
size, shape and/or colour of the teeth. It can be used to close spaces
between the front teeth, repair chips or ragged/uneven edges, and
even make a crooked tooth look straight. |
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Before
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After:
anterior gap closed with composite bonding
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| This can be done
in one appointment and often without any anaesthetic. The end result
can be extremely dramatic although using filling material for this
purpose does have its disadvantages. The material is not as strong
as enamel and because it is designed to fit into a hole or cavity,
it is more likely to chip or break. Over time the material will stain.
Surface stain can easily be polished out, but some stains will penetrate
the material itself and these can only be removed by replacing the
material. Smoking is a big contributor to staining in the long term.
Usually the bonding needs to be replaced after approximately seven
to ten years. |
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Before:
anterior fractured teeth
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After:
teeth repaired with composite bonding
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©
2001 - 2008 Dr. Peter A Balogh Inc. Dr. Edward T.W. Kwok Inc. All
rights reserved.
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