How strong is front tooth bonding?

Front tooth bonding is a common cosmetic dental procedure that can repair chipped, cracked, discolored, or misshapen teeth. During the procedure, the dentist applies a composite resin material to the front surface of the tooth and shapes it to improve the tooth’s appearance. Many patients wonder how strong front tooth bonds are and whether they will hold up well to the forces of biting and chewing.

Table of Contents

What is Tooth Bonding?

Tooth bonding is a cosmetic procedure that uses dental composite resin to repair and improve the look of teeth. It is also known as dental bonding or composite veneers. The resin material is molded onto the front surface of the tooth and then hardened using a special dental curing light. It bonds to the natural tooth structure to create a smooth, uniform appearance.

Tooth bonding is commonly used for:

Repairing chipped or fractured teeth
Closing small gaps between teeth

Reshaping uneven or irregular teeth
Covering stained or discolored teeth
Protecting exposed tooth roots due to gum recession

The resin bonds directly to the natural tooth enamel. Unlike dental veneers or crowns, bonding does not require removing substantial amounts of healthy tooth structure. It provides a conservative way to make minor improvements to the teeth.

Bonding Procedure

Getting front tooth bonding is a relatively quick and simple procedure. It is usually completed in a single dental visit.

The steps include:

Preparation – The dentist uses an etching solution to slightly roughen the surface of the tooth to help the bonding material adhere. They may also use a dental drill to shape the tooth.
Application – The dentist applies the composite resin material and sculpts it into the desired shape using a dental instrument.
Curing – The resin material is hardened and bonded in place using a special curing light.

Polishing – Once cured, the dentist smooths and polishes the resin to blend seamlessly with the natural tooth.

The appointment takes about 30-60 minutes depending on how many teeth need bonding. The bonded teeth may be sensitive to pressure for a couple days after. Proper oral care is important to ensure longevity of the bonds.

Bonding Materials

Dental bonding uses composite resin, a tooth-colored plastic material made of fine glass or ceramic particles surrounded by a polymer resin. It comes in a range of natural colors and shades to match the natural teeth. Dentists use bonding agents to help the material adhere properly to the tooth.

Types of composite resins include:

Microfills – Made of finely ground particles for a smooth finish. Best for minimal repairs.
Hybrids – Combination of microfills and traditional composites. Provides good durability and polish.

Nanocomposites – Contain nanometer-sized particles for high strength and aesthetics.
Packables – Dense composites used for rebuilding and reshaping teeth.

Dentists select the appropriate composite resin based on the location and extent of bonding needed. The materials allow dentists to match the color closely to surrounding teeth for a seamless look.

Benefits of Tooth Bonding

There are many benefits to getting front tooth bonding, including:

Improved appearance – Bonding creates an even, uniform smile line andwhite, bright smile.
Strengthens teeth – Resin helps reinforced cracked or fractured teeth.

Preserves tooth structure – Unlike veneers or crowns, it requires minimal drilling.
Correction is fast – Can often be completed in a single visit.
Budget friendly cost – Much less expensive than dental veneers or caps.

Good durability – Bonds can last 5-10 years with proper care.

For minor imperfections or slight color changes, bonding provides an affordable and fast way to improve the smile without major reshaping procedures.

How Strong Are Tooth Bonding Bonds?

Front tooth bonds can last many years, but how strong are they? The strength and longevity of tooth bonding depends on several factors:

Bonding material – Nanocomposites provide high bond strength. Packable composites are stronger than microfills.
Patient habits – Grinding or clenching can put excess stress on bonds.
Bonding location – Bonds on front teeth may be less prone to breaking than those on back teeth.

Bonding thickness – The more bonded material added, the weaker the bond.
Oral hygiene – Poor cleaning allows decay to undermine bonds.
Dentist skill – Proper technique and curing improves bond strength.

While bonding is not as strong as a dental crown or veneer, bonds create a durable connection. They generally last 5-10 years before needing replacement. With proper home care and avoidance of biting or chewing hard foods on bonded teeth, they can last even longer.

Strength Testing

Researchers have performed laboratory tests studying the strength and durability of dental bonding compared to other restoration methods. Some key findings include:

The strength of a dental bond is about half that of a dental amalgam filling and one-quarter of a ceramic crown.

After 500,000 chewing cycles, amalgam and ceramic restorations exhibit virtually no wear, while bonded composites show some deterioration.
However, 500,000 chewing cycles equates to about 5 years of function. Bonded restorations only need to be replaced about every 5-10 years.
Bond strength to enamel is about 18-20 MPa. To dentin, it is around 15-18 MPa.

Moisture control, removal of decayed tissue, and proper curing improve bond strength.

In general, published studies indicate bonds will last for several years but are not quite as strong and wear-resistant as a crown or veneer. However, they require much less removal of natural tooth structure.

Tips for Making Bonds Strong

While bonding material strength is important, the patient and dentist also play a role in creating strong, long-lasting bonded teeth. Here are some tips for success:

Select an experienced cosmetic dentist – Their bonding technique and knowledge of materials will be superior.
Avoid major grinding or nighttime clenching – Use a night guard to protect bonded teeth.
Choose nanocomposites – For longest-lasting bonds, request highly durable resin materials.

Practice good oral hygiene – Brush and floss thoroughly to prevent decay under bonds.
Avoid biting nails or hard foods – Prevent fractures by minimizing direct trauma.
Get regular dental checkups – Have bonds inspected and problems addressed early.

Following these simple precautions can help you get many years of use from bonded teeth. Be sure to inform your dentist if you have any habits like clenching that may put extra pressure on dental work.

Alternatives to Tooth Bonding

While bonding provides moderate strength for minor repairs, other cosmetic options may be more suitable for extensive repairs or reshaping. Some alternatives include:

Dental veneers – Thin porcelain or composite facings that overlay teeth. Much stronger than bonding.

Dental crowns – Full coverage restorations that cap entire teeth. Highest strength.
Orthodontics – Can reposition moderately crooked or overlapped teeth.
Tooth whitening – Bleaching lightens discolored but intact enamel.

For minor flaws, bonding typically provides sufficient durability. However, those with severe chips, cracks, or excessive staining may benefit from veneers, crowns, or orthodontics for a complete smile makeover.

Maintaining Strong Bonds

Bonding maintenance is vital for keeping restorations intact and attractive over time. Be diligent about the following care measures:

Brush twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush. Avoid stiff bristles.

Floss at least once daily to remove plaque from below bond lines.
Use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen enamel and prevent decay.
Avoid stain-causing foods and drinks like coffee, tea, wine, berries, and tomato sauce.

Have cleanings and exams every 6 months to catch issues early.
Do not bite into hard foods like ice or hard candy that may fracture bonds.

With periodic replacement as needed, dental bonding can provide years of improved beauty and strength. Avoid habits that place excessive biting forces on teeth and maintain thorough oral hygiene.

Cost of Rebonding

While tooth bonding is affordable, it does not permanently restore teeth. As bonds eventually deteriorate or fracture, rebonding is necessary. The cost to replace or repair broken bonding is similar to initial placement, ranging from:

$100-$300 per tooth for minor repairs
$200-$600 per tooth for more extensive bonding

Many dental insurance plans cover a portion of rebonding costs if the prior bond fails. Maintaining good oral hygiene practices helps minimize the need for frequent rebonding.

Conclusion

While not as strong as caps or veneers, today’s composite resins create durable and long-lasting bonds. They are unlikely to fracture under normal biting and chewing forces. With care and proper oral hygiene, front tooth bonding can remain intact for 5-10 years or longer before needing replacement. For minor repairs and cosmetic corrections, dental bonding offers an affordable option compared to full coverage crowns or veneers. Taking care to avoid chewing hard foods on bonded teeth and seeing your dentist regularly helps maintain bonds for as long as possible.