Dental Bonding Q&A
88%
WORTH IT RATING
"Worth It Rating" shows the % of consumer reviewers that stated the procedure was "Worth It" or not. See more RealSelf Worth It Ratings or Add Your Review
8 Reviews
Dental Bondingbefore & after photos
View Before and Afters

Average Dental Bonding Cost: $450

Learn about Dental Bonding

40 people and 86 doctors are talking about Dental Bonding

Get Free Email Updates

Why Some Dentists Are Afraid of Taking my Bonding Off?

asked 11 months ago by nana2011 in New York
Latest answer by Lance Timmerman, DMD
Question viewed 596 times
Tags: removal, reversal, worried

I want to take off new bonding done on my teeth so that I could close my gaps with braces. My orthodontic sent me to my dentist to take the bonding off and my dentist said the doctor that put it on should take off. I am afraid. Is there anything I should know about taking off bonding? Isn't it supposed to be a reversible procedure? I had it as result of Invisalign IPR left over and the dentist bonded them. I hate the way they look and want to close them with braces.

10 answers to Why Some Dentists Are Afraid of Taking my Bonding Off?

+5

Bonding Removal

Bonding is reversible as long as no tooth structure underneath was removed when the composite material was placed. If some tooth was removed, then you'll likely need some more bonding to repair that area. I'm not really sure why your dentist doesn't want to remove it, one possible reason could be if the bonded area is very large or thick then it could be more difficult to remove without sacrificing additional tooth structure. This could also just be a... more
Paul D. Kantor, DDS

Cleveland Cosmetic Dentist
+3

Bonding after Invisalign

When the orthodontic treatment is finished all bonding that previously has been placed for these purposes is usually removed. If you had composite bonding placed to improve the retention for Invisalign there shouldn`t be any problem to remove it and polish the enamel surface, to bring the enamel in orinial condition. It seems as a pretty straight forward situation without any underlying issues. However, you should ask your orthodontist why it can not be performed in his office and see you... more
Olga Kharevich, DMD, PhD

Miami Cosmetic Dentist
+2

Bonding is NOT reversible

While to the naked eye it may seem reversible, any bonding procedure is irreversible. Bonding composite material or porcelain to enamel is identical in process. The enamel is chemically treated and a bonding resin is applied. Composite is placed or porcelain is placed using a resin cement, and then this is cured. To remove all of this requires cutting it all off with a rotary instrument, and then polished smooth. While great care can be used to be as... more
Lance Timmerman, DMD

Seattle Cosmetic Dentist
+2

Removing "bonding" prior to braces

The term "bonding" can refer to several different types of restorations. If the type you're referring to is tooth colored plastic resin between the teeth it should be a simple matter for any dentist -- the one who placed it or your orthodontist -- to remove it. If on the other hand you are referring to a restoration that covers the entire front surface of the tooth, it might be better for the dentist who placed it to alter it since that person would know... more
Brian Povolny, DDS, PhD

Seattle Cosmetic Dentist
+2

Removing bonding

There are no issues in removing bonding, as long as the dentist who did it did not remove any enamel before he applied the bonding. If he did, you will immediately have to replace it with new bonding.
Mitchell A. Josephs, DDS

Palm Beach Cosmetic Dentist
+2

Removing bonding

If the bonding covers the front surface of the teeth, not just the sides, the tooth could look bad if the bonding is removed. The dentist would know whether you have a good enamel surface under the bonding or not. Most orthodontists will shave the sides to make the tooth narrower because that is not a cosmetic issue. The orthodontist may just be being courteous to the dentist as you are his patient and he does not want to interfere with another dentists treatment. more
Thomas Braun, DMD

Fairfield Orthodontist
+2

Removing old bonding

There should be no reason why old bonding cannot be removed. The dentist removing the old bonding must be aware of what is underneath and inform the patient of any potential risks. A tooth that is mostly bonding may not be stable, but this would be seen from the x-rays. One must be careful not to damage the tooth under the bonding if that tooth was never prepared. What you are asking for makes sense. Good luck with your dentistry.
Fred Peck, DDS

Cincinnati Cosmetic Dentist
+2

Taking bonding off

Should not be a big deal at all to take the bonding off. It's a very easy procedure, just requires a little bit of polishing. Your orthodontist may be able to do it as well. Good Luck!
Peter Mann, DDS

Manhattan Cosmetic Dentist
+2

Taking the bonding off

Not sure why the orthodontist just doesn't remove the bonding himself, that's what I would do. I guess the dentist doesn't want to be responsible for your teeth if something happens? Of course every situation is different but I see no reason why this should be a big deal
Robert Waxler, DMD, MS

Saint Louis Orthodontist
+1

Do Porcelain Veneers!

I would remove the bonding and place porcelain veneers. In one week you would have a gorgeous smile that would resist staining and make your teeth the perfect shape, size and color. Having the bonding removed so you can have braces to find out the teeth themselves are less than perfect is an exercise in futility.
Joseph W. Worthington, DDS

Fairfield Cosmetic Dentist

Ask a question