Dental bonding is one of the most common cosmetic dental treatments available. It effectively and affordably corrects small chips and cracks in the teeth. Dental bonding can also treat mild spacing issues if you have small gaps between your teeth. It’s one of the most popular options among our patients because it’s easy, minimally invasive, and affordable – all while providing natural-looking results.
Dental bonding is a cosmetic procedure that utilizes composite filling material to help repair:
The cosmetic bonding material adheres to the tooth and replaces any enamel that is chipped, fractured, cracked, or missing (gaps). It can cover stains and discoloration.
Composite filling material is tooth-colored and comes in many different shades, so we’ll have no problem matching the natural shade of your teeth.
Dr. Omid will start by numbing your teeth if necessary.
The next step is to match the composite filling material to the shade of your tooth.
Dr. Omid will then prepare the tooth for bonding by using a dental handpiece (drill) to prepare the tooth if necessary. At the very least, he’ll create a rough surface on the tooth, which helps the composite resin adhere to the tooth better.
After conditioning and priming the tooth, Dr. Omid will place a composite adhesive to the tooth followed by the composite resin. Once your Whittier cosmetic dentist molds the composite to repair the damage and create the shape that you want, he’ll cure the material with a UV light.
Dr. Omid will check your bite (if the material was placed on the back or biting surfaces of the teeth) to make sure your bite is in proper alignment. Finally, he’ll polish the composite with sanding discs and polishing cups. When he’s finished, you won’t be able to tell the bonding from your natural teeth.
No, dental bonding doesn’t hurt. Often, we can perform the procedure without anesthesia. However, if you feel any sensitivity during the procedure, Dr. Omid can numb your teeth. You won’t feel any soreness or discomfort once the procedure is complete, either.
Dental bonding is best for patients who have minor dental injuries. And as similar as they are, dental bonding is not the same thing as a filling. Therefore, if you have severe dental decay, you will need a filling.
If you have missing teeth, large gaps, or extreme fractures, bonding likely isn’t the best treatment for your needs. You should, instead, discuss other cosmetic options with Dr. Omid, such as implants, veneers, orthodontics, and dental crowns.
If your teeth aren’t as white or bright as you would like, we can postpone the dental bonding until after you’ve whitened your teeth. You can opt for traditional at-home whitening trays, or if you want faster results, you can choose Zoom! Whitening.
Once you’ve reached the shade you’re happy with, then we can proceed with the dental bonding and match the composite resin to the shade of your newly whitened teeth.
It is important to note that the bonding material will never get lighter. It can get darker as it ages, just as your natural teeth can darken. However, if you choose to bleach your teeth and you have existing bonding material, the bonding will not lighten. You may choose to replace your bonding if you want a total smile makeover or if it’s been a few years since the bonding was placed.
Composite resin and the adhesive we use to bond it are strong but not as strong as your enamel. You’ll need to care for your dental bonding by avoiding:
Resin can also stain easier than enamel, so you might want to limit foods and drinks that stain teeth, which you would want to consider anyway if you’ve invested in teeth whitening. Some foods that stain include:
Smoking tobacco or marijuana will also stain your teeth.
At Dentists of Whittier, we understand that not all patients have the budget for a complete Hollywood smile makeover. Crowns, bridges, implants, and veneers can create a beautiful smile, but the cost can quickly add up. We are committed to providing cosmetic options for patients of all budgets. From orthodontics and teeth whitening to dental bonding in Whittier, we have something for everyone.
Would you like to get a Hollywood smile for less? Contact our team to schedule your dental bonding consultation.
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