Dental bonding is a minimally invasive procedure used by dentists to repair damaged teeth. Since it uses composite resin, it is also sometimes referred to as composite bonding. This procedure earns its name because it “bonds” composite resin to the natural tooth surface in order to improve the look of the tooth. It is also commonly used to restore teeth that have become cracked, chipped, or fractured during sports or play.
This procedure will not cause any harm to your child, as it a simple and non-invasive procedure. It is used to treat a variety of dental issues in your child, including minor cracks, moderate tooth decay, or chips.
What to Expect During the Procedure
We know your child may be nervous before visiting our dentist near Yorba Linda for this procedure, but rest assured they are in skilled and caring hands! We start this procedure by roughening the surface of the tooth and applying a layer of composite resin. This resin helps to restore any damage that has been inflicted on your child’s natural teeth. You can expect the procedure to take less than an hour in total and it is minimally invasive. Rest assured that your child will not feel any pain!
When Is Dental Bonding for Kids a Good Idea?
Every child has unique needs, so our team can help determine whether or not your child can benefit from dental bonding in Yorba Linda. In the case that you only want bonding to help improve your child’s aesthetics, consider that they might feel uncomfortable sitting in the dental chair for long periods of time. It’s also ideal to skip dental bonding procedures on teeth that will soon fall out and become adult teeth.
Bonding is typically used in the following situations:
- To repair chipped, cracked, broken, or decayed teeth
- To help improve the aesthetic of the teeth such as to close a gap, fix the alignment, or make the tooth a more uniform shape
- To fill in any exposed tooth roots that are exposed due to receding gums
Did You Know?
The composite resin used for dental bonding procedures is also a common dental material used for dental fillings. This is because composite resin bonds with the natural tooth surface and preserves the most amount of natural tooth structure.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can my child benefit from dental bonding?
Your child may benefit from dental bonding if they have minor tooth damage, such as chips or cracks. Since kids are so active and unpredictable, it is not unheard of to suddenly have a child with a chipped tooth. Luckily, dental bonding provides an easy and safe way to restore the natural shape of a damaged tooth. To find out if dental bonding is right for your child, schedule a consultation with your Chino Pediatric Dentists today!
What should my child expect during the dental bonding procedure?
Before beginning the dental bonding procedure, your child will first need to have their teeth cleaned. This prevents plaque and bacteria from being trapped under the surface of the composite resin. Once their teeth are clean, an acidic liquid will be brushed over the treatment area. This roughens the enamel so that the resin can create a stronger bond with the tooth surface. The composite resin will then be applied to the treatment area and hardened into place with a curing light. If more than one layer is required, then each layer will be applied and hardened one at a time. The final step is to shape and polish the area so it blends with the other teeth.
The dental bonding procedure should not cause your child any pain or discomfort. However, if they are extremely anxious or have a hard time sitting still, mild dental sedation may be recommended to keep them calm and still during the procedure.
How long does dental bonding last?
The results of dental bonding usually last about 5-7 years if properly cared for. However, if the treated tooth is a primary tooth, then it can be expected to fall out as usual. A tooth treated with dental bonding will require no additional care, nevertheless, it still requires care by practicing good oral hygiene habits. Therefore, you should encourage your child to brush their teeth with fluoridated toothpaste twice a day for two minutes at a time and floss once a day. Additionally, you will need to schedule their dental checkup appointment and teeth cleaning every six months.
How can I help my child care for their newly bonded teeth?
After the dental bonding procedure is over, our dentist near Yorba Linda will go over specifics on how to care for your child’s teeth. The main thing to know is that your child should avoid drinking beverages such as sports drinks, sodas, or dark-colored juices to prevent staining from developing. Actions such as biting nails, chewing pens, or eating ice can also chip away at the bonding material.
Contact Our Dentist Near Yorba Linda Today!
If you’re interested in learning more about dental bonding for kids and whether or not your child can benefit, please reach out to our team! Contact us today at 909-591-0077.