Dental Bonding

Dentists call your front teeth the “social six.” When all of us smile, those are the teeth we lead with. Even a small imperfection on these teeth can be very noticeable. Dental bonding can be an easy, affordable, and non-invasive option to correct cosmetic issues on front teeth. It can be used for:

• Discolored/stained teeth or fillings
• Gaps or spaces in between teeth
• Teeth with mismatching lengths
• Chipped or jagged teeth
• …and more!

Interested in finding out more? Give us a call today:

What is dental bonding?

A dental bonding appointment involves adding a tooth-colored material called dental composite to your teeth. Your dentist will choose a custom color matched to your natural teeth.

Next, she will shape the surface of your tooth to smooth out any sharp edges and to prepare it for adding material. We will next add a series of surface treatments and adhesive in order to help the bonding material lock onto your tooth. We will then add the bonding composite material itself. This will be done in several layers using a special light which causes the material to solidify into the shape of your tooth.

After this, the dentist will smooth, contour, and polish the teeth being treated. This step helps to enhance the luster of the teeth, leaving them glossy and natural-looking. She will check the shape of the teeth and make sure it matches and is compatible with your adjacent teeth as well as your bite.

Our favorite part is at the end, when we hand you the mirror so you can see your new, improved smile!

Do I need a shot for dental bonding?

The great news about dental bonding is that the majority of cases don’t involve a needle! Only a small amount of drilling is required, so generally we do not need to give patients an injection beforehand. This means no prick and getting to leave with your lip still feeling normal. Some patients with particularly sensitive teeth may feel the coldness of the water but most do not experience pain.

How long does dental bonding take?

Depending on how many teeth require treatment, a bonding appointment can vary in length. However, for most patients who are just getting one or two teeth treated, the entire process takes less than an hour.

Can I eat after dental bonding?

You can eat right away after a bonding appointment. Right after a bonding appointment, however, we recommend that patients avoid foods that can stain such as wine or chocolate or very pigmented fruits. Because bonding material is not as strong as your natural teeth, we also recommend that patients avoid biting directly on the treated teeth.