Bonding
Dental bonding is a procedure that improves the appearance of your smile by applying an enamel-like material to the surface of your teeth. This material can change the color of your teeth or be used to fill in chips, fillings, or gaps. Dental bonding can be finished in a single office visit and usually lasts for several years after its initial application.
Did You Know?
Dental bonding can easily be customized to your unique smile in terms of color and shape. In this way, dental bonding can improve the look of your smile without compromising your individuality.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is dental bonding right for me?
Dental bonding may be right for you if you have minor imperfections in your smile, such as discoloration, gaps between your teeth, or oddly shaped teeth. Dental bonding is also an ideal option if you want the look of veneers without having to alter your enamel. To find out if dental bonding is the right option for you, schedule a consultation with one of our dentists at Bethesda Family Dentistry today!
What is dental bonding made of?
Dental bonding is commonly manufactured out of a composite resin material because this material is both durable and blends well with natural tooth enamel. In some cases, porcelain can also be used to add resistance to stains.
Will dental bonding hurt?
Dental bonding should not hurt or cause any kind of discomfort. However, if the affected area has deep decay or was in pain before the procedure, you may feel the discomfort from this. In these cases, the pain will usually fade once the treatment has been completed.
How is dental bonding applied?
To apply the composite resin to your tooth, the enamel will first need to be prepared. Usually this consists of using a shade guide to match the enamel with the correct color of composite resin. Sometimes, the tooth may be slightly reshaped to allow the resin to bond correctly. Then the tooth with be roughened and a conditioning liquid will be applied.
Once the tooth has been prepared, the resin putty will be applied. This putty-like material will be shaped accordingly and smoothed into the desired shape. Once the material has been properly molded to the tooth, a curing light will be used to harden the composite resin to the tooth. Then, the hardened material will be shaped and polished to blend with the natural tooth structure. The entire procedure usually lasts between 30-60 minutes per tooth.
How long does dental bonding last?
Dental bonding generally lasts anywhere from 3-10 years depending on your dental habits and the location of the tooth it is applied to. Dental bonding applied to the tip of the tooth may incur more force and last for less time than bonding applied between teeth. Due to the nature of dental bonding, it can easily be replaced or altered to allow other restoration methods.
How do I care for dental bonding?
Teeth that have undergone dental bonding can be cared for just like your natural teeth. Practicing good oral habits such as brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and visiting Bethesda Family Dentistry twice a year for your dental checkup and cleaning, will make sure that your teeth stay in great shape.
In addition to good oral habits, you will also want to avoid detrimental behaviors that may cause damage to your teeth, bonded or otherwise. Such behaviors include using your teeth to open things, biting your fingernails, or chewing on hard objects such as pens, ice, or other hard foods. To avoid staining your teeth and the bonding material, you will also want to avoid staining beverages like wine, coffee, and tea, or be sure to brush after drinking to reduce the likelihood of developing stains.
Is dental bonding expensive?
Dental bonding is one of the most affordable cosmetic dental treatments. At only $100-$400 per tooth, it provides an effective alternative to crowns and veneers that can improve your smile. In addition, some dental insurance companies will offer full or partial coverage for dental bonding procedures.
For a qualified, experienced, and caring approach to dental implants, schedule a consultation with one of our dentists at either our Ferndale Bethesda Family Dentistry office in Bethesda or our Executive Bethesda Family Dentistry office in North Bethesda.
