Dental bonding is a popular procedure in our Philadelphia dental office. Usually complete in a single visit, tooth bonding is used for many cosmetic and restorative purposes. This treatment can repair minor cosmetic dental concerns such as white spots on teeth, close gaps in your smile, as well as tooth damage like chips and cracks. It is also known as tooth-coloring, veneers, and porcelain laminates.
Dental bonding involves the application of a composite resin material to the front surface of teeth. It is a quick and economical treatment that offers natural-looking results. While it’s not considered a permanent solution, bonding materials are quite long-lasting.
How does tooth bonding work?
Cosmetic tooth bonding is the same process as a resin dental filling. The dentist will apply a tooth-colored resin directly to the tooth, sculpt it into the desired shape, and cure the material with a special light. Little or no preparation of the tooth is needed.
Dr. Conover is one of the most sought-after cosmetic dentists in Philadelphia. He may recommend tooth bonding if you have:
- Gaps or spaces between your teeth
- Minor chips or cracks on your teeth
- Discolored teeth that are resistant to whitening treatment
- Tooth cavities
Dental Bonding for Chipped Teeth
Dental bonding is commonly used to repair chipped or cracked teeth. The composite resin matches the natural color of teeth and is easily shaped into a tooth-like appearance. These restorations are virtually undetectable. The benefit of tooth bonding is that it is quick, affordable, and long-lasting.
Before & After: Mitchell
Mitchell came to us with a chipped front tooth. We placed dental bonding to restore his smile.
Dental Bonding for Worn Teeth
Dental bonding is also an excellent option for patients who have worn teeth. Tooth grinding can cause teeth to wear down and appear shorter. They might also have chips or cracks along the edges because of the constant grinding. Dental bonding can restore teeth so that they appear longer and more even.
No one will know that you’ve had your teeth repaired; composite resin matches the look and feel of natural teeth.
Before & After: Maria
Maria came to our office because her teeth were short and uneven. Chronic tooth grinding caused them to wear down and become chipped and brittle. We used dental bonding to restore her smile.
Before & After: Sandra- bonding black triangles
Porcelain Veneers vs. Dental Bonding: what to consider
Dental bonding can be a cost-effective alternative to porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers require a minimal amount of tooth structure to be removed and two to three dental visits. They are considered permanent dental restoration since it is an irreversible restoration.
Tooth bonding, by contrast, requires no tooth structure to be removed and can be completed in one visit. Tooth bonding can be removed if desired. Example of resin bonding:
Porcelain veneers, however, do last much longer than dental bonding. The composite resin is less resistant to stains and wear than the highly durable ceramic material used to make porcelain veneers. Examples of Porcelain Veneers:
Tooth Bonding FAQs
How long will it last?
With proper care and maintenance, you can expect most tooth bonding to last five years or more. Bonding is not as durable as veneers or crowns, but it can last for years if you properly care for and maintain your teeth. We’ll show you how to keep your dental bonding looking great on your next visit.
How much does it cost?
Dental bonding is a relatively affordable procedure. Dental insurance often covers the cost of dental bonding. How much you pay for dental bonding depends on the dentist you choose and the procedure you want done. The cost of dental bonding varies based on different factors like location, the complexity of the treatment, and the dentist’s experience. Dental bonding is less expensive than crowns or veneers and will be able to cover up minor chips, cracks, or discoloration in between your teeth.
Does dental bonding look natural?
Yes, dental bonding on teeth appears and feels entirely natural. The material matches each patient’s individual teeth color. Bonding should not be noticeable to anyone looking at your smile. They appear completely natural.
Can bonding fix crooked teeth?
We can use composite bonds to change the look of crooked teeth. This only works for slightly crooked teeth. Adding a bond to certain places can hide gaps and misalignment in one bite.
Can your teeth rot under bonding?
Cosmetic bonding is not a long-term solution, so it does not harm teeth in any way. Even if the cosmetic material stains or chips off, it will not affect your teeth’s natural enamel.
Can I remove teeth bonding?
It is possible to remove dental bonding, and the procedure for removal is generally fairly simple. Dental bonding is an additive procedure so it doesn’t require the removal of any of your natural tooth enamel.
Can bonding help receding gums?
Your dentist can repair gum recession using dental bonding. The composite material can cover the exposed roots of teeth and relieve any discomfort.