Bonding for sensitive teeth

Bonding or to be more exact �composite bonding� is a dental technique used to treat a variety of dental problems. These include cracked or broken teeth, stained teeth and crooked teeth.

It also includes sensitive teeth.

Bonding is also carried out on teeth where the middle layer or dentin has become exposed due to erosion of the enamel (top layer). This exposure means that the tooth is now sensitive to hot or cold foods/liquids; this causes pain and discomfort for the sufferer.

Dental bonding

Dental bonding is a process in which a soft, paste like substance or �composite� is applied to the problem tooth. This substance consists of fillers and acrylic resin and is easily manipulated by the dentist.

He or she will polish the affected tooth before roughening it using a special instrument. The tooth is then etched with a special acid which helps the composite material to bond to the tooth.

A curing light is then directed onto the tooth which causes the composite material to harden and set on the tooth. This material is applied in several layers until it reaches the desired colour.

The composite is designed to match the colour of your natural teeth. So the dentist will use a �shade chart� to determine an exact match between the two.

The tooth is then polished until its appearance fits in with the rest of your teeth.

This composite material can be applied to any gaps between the tooth and the gum in which the dentin is exposed. It covers the exposed dentin which then reduces the risk of sensitive teeth.

Composite bonding is also used for dental fillings. The composite material is inserted into a cavity within a tooth caused by tooth decay. This cavity is the result of a gradual wearing away of the enamel which leads to the exposure of sensitive nerve endings � hence the pain you experience when consuming hot or cold foods.