Dental bonding is an affordable cosmetic alternative to porcelain veneers, and can mask minor flaws such as chipped teeth, small gaps, fractures, and misshapen or crooked teeth. Dental bonding conceals imperfections and can elongate short teeth through the application of tooth-colored composite resin. Our skilled doctors have significant experience and training in cosmetic dentistry, and they often recommend dental bonding at our Seaford, or Wilmington, DE, offices as a quick and cost-effective treatment option to enhance the aesthetics of your smile.
Candidates for Bonding
Patients should be in good oral health prior to dental bonding. Issues including cavities or gum disease should be treated before the dental bonding procedure. Patients should also stop smoking prior to treatment, and understand that smoking after treatment can cause irreversible stains of composite resin that may require additional care.
Dental bonding is an affordable cosmetic treatment that conceals minor imperfections of the teeth.
The Dental Bonding Procedure
If you plan to undergo teeth whitening, it is important to do so prior to dental bonding, so that the composite resin can be matched to your newly whitened smile. Your doctor will select a shade of resin that matches your teeth.
When you are ready to undergo dental bonding, first your doctor will gently etch your tooth with a mild acidic solution to increase the surface area that the bonding agent will adhere to. Your doctor will then apply a bonding agent with a small brush. Next, he will apply composite resin to your tooth, which he will carefully shape to create the desired cosmetic effect. A UV light will be used to cure, or harden, the resin, and your doctor will polish your tooth.
Our skilled doctors have significant experience and training in cosmetic dentistry, and they often recommend dental bonding as a quick and cost-effective treatment option to enhance the aesthetics of your smile.
Once the treatment is complete, your doctor will measure your teeth to ensure symmetry, and check your bite to ensure that alignment is correct. The entire dental bonding process can be completed in under an hour, depending upon the number of teeth being treated.
Care and Maintenance
After your dental bonding treatment, you can resume a normal, healthy oral hygiene routine of brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting our offices regularly for exams and cleanings. Composite resin is not as strong as dental enamel, so it is best not to chew on hard objects such as ice, fingernails, or pen caps after receiving bonding treatment. Teeth grinding, or bruxism, can also erode composite resin.
Composite resin can stain, but it does not respond to teeth whitening, so foods and drinks such as coffee or black tea that can cause staining should be avoided. With proper care, you can expect your dental bonds to last up to 10 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
While dental bonding works great for minor cracks or damaged teeth, it may not be best for more serious restorations. They’re weaker than dental crowns and may not be suitable for areas of your smile that are normally exposed to heavy bite pressure. Your cosmetic dentist will let you know whether your dental issue can be resolved with dental bonding.
Yes! Dental bonding is a great option for fixing chipped or cracked teeth toward the front of your smile. Most cosmetic dentists recommend dental bonding as a more convenient and less invasive way to restore your tooth’s look and functionality. This procedure can also fill in gaps within your smile and fix teeth that are misshapen.
The bonding process typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes per tooth. By maintaining a consistent oral hygiene routine, dental bonding can last for several years. This includes brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting your general dentist for routine cleanings. Your dentist will also be able to let you know when to undergo dental bonding again.
Yes! Dental bonding can be used in conjunction with other dental procedures, including professional teeth whitening or orthodontics. Your dentist will be able to advise you on the best option for your smile based on your oral health and current dental needs. That way, you can enjoy personalized dental care that’s tailored to give you the best smile possible.
Achieve a Beautiful Smile With Dental Bonding
Are you self-conscious about your smile? Dental bonding may be the solution for you! This simple, painless, and cost-effective procedure can repair chipped, cracked, or stained teeth, as well as reshape and resize them. At Brown & Baran Family Dentistry, our dentists are dedicated to improving the look of your smile. Call either our Wilmington, DE office at (302) 999-7600 or our Seaford, DE practice at (302) 536-7589 to schedule your appointment today. We welcome patients who reside in Pike Creek, Marshallton, and Stanton, MI.
