Dental Bonding

Dental Bonding – Overview

Dental bonding is a cosmetic dentistry procedure that repairs chips, closes gaps, or changes the shape of a tooth. The procedure uses a composite resin material that simulates the natural color of your tooth. Dental bonding can fix minor issues with your teeth and tends to be faster and less expensive than more comprehensive cosmetic dentistry procedures. The downside is that it doesn’t last as long as permanent treatments like veneers.

How Can I Tell If I Need Dental Bonding?

If your front teeth show small white/yellow spots or have minor chipping due to clenching, grinding or even an accident, you might be a good candidate for dental bonding. We can use filling material to replace the missing or damaged tooth structure. Dental bonding is an ideal solution for minor dental imperfections, and takes less time to implement compared to longer-term treatments like Invisalign braces.

What Should I Expect When Getting Dental Bonding?

A dental bonding procedure can be completed in only one office visit. First, your dentist will color-match the resin shade to the color of your teeth. Next, the tooth surface is prepared, creating a rough surface and a conditioned liquid for the resin to adhere to. After that, the resin is applied, molded, and cured. Finally, the tooth is given a polish to make it look natural.

Patients should take care to avoid coffee, tea, wine, and smoking in the days immediately following the procedure – these can cause the bonding material to stain. If the bonded teeth do stain, you may need a professional teeth whitening procedure to restore the appearance of your teeth. Patients should also avoid strenuous chewing and biting on hard objects like ice or fingernails for a few days to avoid chips in the bonding material. With the proper care, dental bonding can last for about two to five years.

Ready To Take The Next Step?

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Bowyer to see if dental bonding is right for you. You can call us at (360) 253-2640, email us at info@drbowyer.com, or use the form on this page to request a free consultation.

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