Dental bonding (also known as dentine bonding) is a dentistry approach used to repair minor damage to teeth, including chips, gaps, and fractures. It may also be used to rectify discolouration on teeth and is a great alternative to crowns and veneers for some people. Bonding is also used in fillings.
What is Dental Bonding?
A composite resin is attached to a tooth and then shaped to either restore the tooth to its original appearance or improve its appearance for better cosmetic outcomes. The composite resin is selected and matched to the colour of the teeth for a natural look. When performed properly, the result looks just like a 100% natural tooth – and it can be used alongside teeth whitening treatments for a brighter smile.
There are various types of bonding agents used to adhere composite resins and other materials to teeth, and dentists will often have a particular product or brand they prefer to work with, depending on the application and other considerations.
What is a Dental Bonding Agent?
The natural tooth includes:
- Dentin – the majority of the tooth material, dentin is made up of mineralised connective tissue.
and
- Enamel – the outer layer of the visible part of the tooth. Enamel is comprised of rows of calcium and phosphorus salts (hydroxyapatite), it is the hardest substance in the human body.
Dental bonding agents or bonderizers are used to help adhere composite bonds (and also composite fillings) to teeth. They are complex chemical compounds.
The right dental bonding agent or system is designed to:
- Prevent the composite resin or other material from separating from the enamel, dentin, other composite, metal, and ceramic to which it is bonded.
- Evenly distribute stress along bonded interfaces for a stronger hold.
- Seal the interface between the resin (or other bonded material) and the dentin/enamel.
5 Examples of Dentine Bonderizers
- Arguably one of the best options for many dentists is the gold-standard Scotchbond range of products from 3M.
Scotchbond Universal Plus Adhesive, for example, is a highly reputed universal bonding agent that bonds seamlessly with almost any dental material, including enamel, dentin, resin, porcelain, and metal. It supports procedures that maximally preserve the structure of the natural tooth and will even bond glass ceramics. It is also the first radiopaque universal adhesive which reduces risks of misdiagnosis and overtreatment.
- Ultradent Peak Universal Bond is a versatile formulation that can be used in all dental bonding and is certified as being gluten-free.
- Luxatemp-Glaze & Bond is a simple, one-component light-curing varnish option that can be used for temporary add-ons and restoration repairs.
- GC SOLARE Universal Bond is a universal bonding agent that is suitable for use for all etching modes (self-etch, selective-etch, and total-etch).
- 3M Adper Single Bond is suitable for use in all light-cured direct bonding procedures including composite and porcelain repair, root surface desensitisation, and bonding veneers.
There are many other bonding agent product options available depending on your preferred dental supplies distributor.
Conclusion
Unlike veneers and crowns, dental composite bonding is a fast, non-invasive, and less expensive cosmetic solution that does not damage the natural tooth’s structure. Chatting with one’s dentist is the best way to determine whether it’s the right option on a case-by-case basis.
