Bonding Dental Filling
Dentistry has evolved from being merely a health branch that relieves pain or cleans cavities into an aesthetic discipline that enhances individuals’ self-confidence and strengthens their social communication. Smile aesthetics is one of the most important elements ensuring facial integrity. However, while wanting to achieve an aesthetic smile, patients often refrain from losing substance from their teeth or lengthy treatment processes. At this point, restorations performed with the “Minimally Invasive Dentistry” principle, causing almost no damage to the tooth tissue, come to the fore.
The most popular and fastest result-giving among these restorations is undoubtedly the Bonding Dental Filling method. Following current treatment protocols in the Thrace region, Kırklareli Dental Clinic Atlas Sea Dental successfully performs these aesthetic applications with a preventive medicine understanding.
What is the Bonding (Adhesive) System?
Derived from the verb “to bond” (to stick/connect), bonding refers to the connection of special composite materials used in dentistry to the tooth surface at a microscopic level. Also known colloquially as “composite bonding” or “aesthetic filling,” this method is a much more conservative (protective) option than porcelain laminates. Because when performing a Bonding Dental Filling, it is often not necessary to abrade the tooth enamel; only the tooth surface is roughened to ensure the material’s retention.
Materials used in this technique are different from standard fillings. These materials, called “Aesthetic Composites,” adapt exactly to natural tooth enamel in terms of light reflection, refractive index, and polishability. These materials, which form the basis of the Aesthetic Filling concept, are shaped in the hands of the physician almost like sculpting clay, giving the tooth a new form.
In Which Situations Is Bonding Dental Filling Preferred?
In clinical practice, Bonding Dental Filling has a very wide range of indications. Atlas Sea Dental physicians generally recommend this method in the following cases:
- Diastema (Gapped Teeth): It is the most effective and fastest method for closing the gaps (diastema) between the front teeth. Gaps are filled by making additions only to the side walls without cutting the teeth.
- Broken and Cracked Teeth: Used to return teeth broken or cracked at the edges as a result of trauma to their original form.
- Tooth Lengthening: By lengthening teeth that are genetically short or shortened by wear with Bonding Dental Filling, a younger and more dynamic smile line is obtained.
- Discolorations: Preferred for masking stubborn stains that cannot be removed by teeth whitening or for single tooth discolorations.
Shape Deformities: Can be applied as an alternative to orthodontic treatment (camouflage treatment) in teeth with slight crowding or rotation.
Application Stages and Treatment Process
The application of Bonding Dental Filling is usually completed in a single session as it does not require a laboratory stage. In Kırklareli Dental Clinic Atlas Sea Dental treatment protocols, the process follows these steps:
- Color Selection and Preparation: Before starting the procedure, the teeth are cleaned, and the tooth color is determined using a color scale under natural light. This stage is very critical because the color of the composite material must match the natural tooth exactly. Often, anesthesia (injection) is not even needed.
- Surface Roughening (Etching): An acidic gel is applied to the tooth surface to open microscopic pores so that the composite material can adhere to the tooth. This process does not damage the tooth, it only creates a retention surface.
- Adhesive Agent (Bonding) Application: A special adhesive agent called “bond” is applied to the prepared surface and cured with a light device. This agent acts as a chemical lock between the tooth and the Bonding Dental Filling.
- Shaping and Layering: Aesthetic composites in the selected color are placed on the tooth in layers. The physician gives form to the tooth with an artistic perspective. Each layer is cured separately with light. Kırklareli Dental Clinic Atlas Sea Dental physicians use opaque materials for the inner part of the tooth and transparent materials for the tip to capture naturalness, creating an illusion of “natural light translucency.”
- Polishing: The most important part of the process is the finishing stage. The hardened filling is polished with special discs and rubbers. The smoothness of the surface ensures the natural shine of the Aesthetic Filling and prevents staining.
Advantages of the Bonding Method
The biggest factors for patients to prefer Bonding Dental Filling are:
- Speed: A smile change is achieved in a short time like 30-60 minutes, in a single session.
- Protection: No abrasion is made from the tooth enamel, it is a reversible process.
- Cost: It is a more economical treatment option compared to porcelain laminate or zirconium veneers.
- Repairability: In case of a possible breakage or wear, it can be easily repaired in the mouth without the need to remove the entire filling.
Differences Between Aesthetic Filling and Amalgam Filling
Traditional amalgam (gray/metal) fillings are durable but not aesthetic and are less preferred today due to their mercury content. Also, amalgam adheres to the tooth mechanically; that is, it is necessary to remove sound tissue from the tooth and open a special socket so that the filling does not fall out. However, Aesthetic Filling and bonding materials adhere chemically to the tooth. In this way, cleaning only the decay is sufficient, no extra substance loss is needed. Kırklareli Dental Clinic Atlas Sea Dental applies the bonding method by taking special isolation measures in the replacement of old amalgam fillings as well.
Durability and Lifespan
One of the most frequently asked questions by patients is how long the Bonding Dental Filling will last. Thanks to developing nanotechnology, new generation composites are extremely resistant to chewing forces. However, they are not as hard as natural tooth enamel. The average service life varies between 5 to 8 years depending on the patient’s oral care and eating habits. Atlas Sea Dental physicians recommend avoiding traumatic movements such as cracking nuts, biting ice, or chewing the back of a pencil with teeth applied with bonding. Also, excessive consumption of staining foods such as cigarettes, tea, coffee may cause color change (discoloration) in the filling over time. However, these discolorations can be removed with a simple polishing process performed in 6-month routine check-ups.
Bonding or Porcelain Laminate?
These two treatment methods are frequently compared.
- Bonding Dental Filling: Completed in a single session, no laboratory process, more economical but may change color over time and may not stay as shiny as porcelain.
- Porcelain Laminate: Requires laboratory production, takes 5-7 days, more costly but stain-resistant and maintains its color for life.
If the problem in the teeth is small (small fractures, slight gaps), Bonding Dental Filling is ideal. However, if a comprehensive design that will change the entire smile is planned, porcelain laminates may be a more permanent solution. In the detailed examination performed within Kırklareli Dental Clinic Atlas Sea Dental, the method most suitable for the patient’s expectation and tooth structure is determined.
Things to Consider After the Procedure
It is recommended to avoid colored foods (tea, coffee, cherry juice, tomato paste, etc.) for the first 24 hours after treatment. Because the composite material needs a short time to complete its polymerization (hardening) fully and gain color stability. Cleaning teeth with Aesthetic Filling is no different from natural teeth. Brushing twice a day and flossing are the most basic factors extending the life of the filling.
Also, in patients with teeth clenching (bruxism) problems, Bonding Dental Filling may carry a risk of fracture. In such cases, the use of a night guard after treatment is vital for the protection of restorations.
