Cosmetic Bonding
Cosmetic bonding is a special filling that can restore, reshape, and rejuvenate teeth
Cosmetic bonding is a special filling that can restore, reshape, and rejuvenate teeth, improving both the function and appearance a child’s mouth. The dental bonding material is a composite resin or moldable ceramic that hardens and fuses to the tooth when a special light is shined on the tooth. Bonding is among the easiest and least expensive of cosmetic dental procedures. The composite resin used in bonding can be shaped and polished to match the surrounding teeth. Most often, bonding is used for cosmetic purposes to improve the appearance of a discolored or chipped tooth.
When is Cosmetic Bonding Recommended?
Our pediatric dentists may use cosmetic bonding to correct:
- To repair decayed teeth (composite resins are used to fill cavities)
- To repair chipped or cracked teeth
- To improve the appearance of discolored teeth
- To close spaces between teeth
- To make teeth look longer
- To change the shape of teeth
- As a cosmetic alternative to amalgam fillings
- To protect a portion of the tooth's root that has been exposed when gums recede
How Long Does Dental Bonding Last?
The lifespan of bonding materials for the teeth depends on how much bonding was done and your oral habits. Typically, however, bonding material lasts from three years up to about 10 years before needing to be touched up or replaced.
Teeth Bonding Consultation
A consultation with one of our dentists will determine if bonding can be a solution for any particular dental issues or concerns. After our dentists conduct a thorough examination of your teeth, most likely involving x-rays, and an evaluation of your teeth and gums, options will be presented. If you have teeth that are extensively damaged one of dentists may recommend other restorative or cosmetic procedures that meet more long-term goals.
What Does Cosmetic Bonding Involve?
Tooth bonding is the application of a tooth-colored resin material using adhesives and a high intensity curing light. Cosmetic bondings are a quick and easy procedure that will help to create a long lasting smile for your child. They involve one of our specially trained pediatric dentists applying a thin layer of bonding material to the tooth, which is then sculpted like clay and shaped to correct the cosmetic concern. Using a special light, our dentists will harden the material and securely fuse it with the existing tooth. Next, the bonding will be polished until it’s smooth.
A bonding procedure typically takes one hour to perform and results can last approximately ten years in a clean healthy mouth. Bonded teeth look and act just like natural teeth. The dental bonding material can be colored as well as molded, so our pediatric dentists are able to match the shade of existing teeth. When bonding is performed by an experienced dentist, people will not be able to tell that you’ve had cosmetic bonding on your teeth – other than seeing how great your smile looks! No preparation is needed for bonding. Anesthesia often is not necessary, unless the bonding is being used to fill a decayed tooth.
What to Avoid After Cosmetic Bonding?
Tea, coffee, cigarette smoke and other substances can stain the resin. To prevent or minimize stains, it’s essential to avoid eating or drinking foods that can stain for the first 48 hours after any composite procedure. In addition, bonded teeth require the same care as your natural teeth. The care necessary to maintain a healthy and beautiful smile is to keep good oral hygiene habits. Brushing at least twice a day and flossing are good ways to keep good oral health.
Get in Touch
Have questions or need any help from our team? Reach out to us below and one of our team members will get in touch with you as soon as we see your request.