Ask a Cosmetic Dentist: What Is Dental Bonding

Ask a Cosmetic Dentist: What Is Dental Bonding from Prince William Dental in Gainesville, VAOne of the treatment options a cosmetic dentist may employ to improve the appearance of a person's smile is dental bonding. Also known as tooth bonding, dental bonding is a procedure that involves applying a tooth-colored resin to the teeth to achieve the desired result.

What patients should know about dental bonding

When a cosmetic dentist performs dental bonding, the dentist applies a tooth-colored resin to the teeth and then hardens the material by using a light made for this purpose. As the material hardens, it becomes bonded to the tooth, which keeps the material in place.

Uses for dental bonding

Dental bonding can be used to correct issues with the teeth or to change the appearance of the teeth to meet the patient's aesthetic goals. Dentists perform tooth bonding procedures for multiple reasons:

  • Repair chipped, cracked, or decayed teeth
  • Cover stained teeth
  • Give teeth a longer appearance
  • Cover gaps between teeth
  • Alternative to amalgam fillings
  • Cover a tooth root exposed by receding gums

How dental bonding is performed

If bonding is being done to fill a cavity or change the shape of a tooth, the tooth may need to be drilled before the bonding procedure. Otherwise, the cosmetic dentist begins the process by selecting a resin color that matches the shade of the natural teeth. The dentist then roughens the tooth surface and applies a conditioning liquid to make it easier for the resin to adhere to the tooth. Next, the dentist applies, molds, and smooths the resin into the chosen shape. A bright light or laser is then used to harden the resin. Finally, the dentist shapes and trims the hardened material to achieve the desired result and match the appearance of the natural teeth. The entire process usually takes between 30-60 minutes but may require more than one visit if multiple teeth are being bonded.

Advantages of dental bonding

Dental bonding is often less expensive than veneers or crowns because the material can be molded and shaped in the office by the dentist, rather than manufactured in a lab. The procedure also requires less removal of tooth enamel. However, dental bonding is not as durable or stain-resistant as veneers, crowns, and fillings. Bonding material typically needs to be replaced or touched up in 3-10 years.

Caring for bonded teeth

The bonding material is not as strong as natural teeth, so patients are advised to avoid activities, such as nail-biting and ice chewing, that could chip the resin. It is also a good idea to limit the consumption of coffee, tea, and wine and avoid smoking because these substances can stain the resin.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp:
Cosmetic Dentist Dental Bonding in Gainesville, VA

Conclusion

The dental bonding procedure involves attaching a tooth-colored resin to the tooth to correct discolored teeth, chips, cracks, or gaps. While the material is not as resilient as some other alternative treatments, the procedure is quick, usually less expensive, and with proper aftercare, can last up to 10 years.

Request an appointment or call Prince William Dental at 703-662-8287 for an appointment in our Gainesville office.

Recent Posts

What You Need To Know About Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry refers to dental procedures intended to enhance the appearance of your teeth. While most of these procedures are nonessential, they can offer a variety of health benefits as well. The field, once primarily reserved for celebrities and wealthy individuals, has become much more mainstream, offering a number of desirable and accessible procedures.The word…

Enhancing Your Smile With Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments

You can enhance your smile with cosmetic dentistry treatments. If you are considering one or more cosmetic dentistry procedures to improve your smile, read on to learn more.By learning more about cosmetic dentistry and the benefits treatment offers, you can decide if a treatment plan is right for you. The following are some things to…

A Cosmetic Dentist Talks About Why You Should Not Whiten Teeth At Home

Teeth whitening kits are available for purchase at supermarkets, pharmacies, and online, and many patients assume these kits are equivalent to the teeth whitening provided by a qualified cosmetic dentist. However, as professionals who have completed dental school as well as extensive training in shaping, whitening, and upgrading patients’ entire smiles, cosmetic dentists are able…

Recent Posts

How Do I Know If I’m A Good Candidate For Dental Bonding?

How Do I Know If I’m A Good Candidate For Dental Bonding?

Dental bonding is a process that restores the functionality and attractiveness of a patient’s smile by applying a natural-looking substance to a tooth. Patients with cracks, decayed, chipped, or cracked teeth may benefit from the long-lasting composite material that is put on their teeth. The interesting part of dental bonding is that it needs little…

How Dentists Use Dental Bonding Treatments

How Dentists Use Dental Bonding Treatments

Different restorative dental procedures like dental bonding are available to help people achieve a safe and appealing smile. Dental bonding is a highly efficient and relatively simple dental procedure. The process uses unique composite resins to enhance the appearance of a person's smile, and the dentist can complete the procedure in only one appointment.Dental bonding,…