What is Tooth Bonding?
Dr. Ray Becker may recommend tooth bonding to correct minor dental health and cosmetic concerns such as chips, cracks and spaces between teeth. Bonding is a fast, affordable treatment that is usually completed in a single visit to our Columbia, MD dental office. It is one of the many cosmetic dentistry treatments that Howard County Smiles offers.
When a dentist with a skilled hand and an artistic eye provides dental bonding treatment, the patient will find it impossible to distinguish the bonded tooth from its neighbors. Dr. Becker is an experienced cosmetic dentist near you and can help patients achieve natural-looking results with teeth bonding. Our dentist can use tooth bonding to correct:
- Spaces between teeth
- Misshapen teeth
- Minor chips, cracks, or damage to teeth
- Discolored teeth
- Tooth cavities
How Does It Work?
Bonding uses tooth-colored materials to replace missing tooth structure or hide cosmetically unappealing minor defects in a tooth — chips, discoloration, and even minor spacing irregularities. We call bonding materials “composite resins” because they contain a mixture of plastic and glass, which adds strength and translucency. The composite actually bonds, or becomes one, with the rest of the tooth.
About the Teeth Bonding Procedure
Your dentist can complete a teeth bonding procedure during a single visit to our Columbia, MD dental office. On average, it takes about an hour to complete. Dr. Becker will select a composite resin color that will closely match the color of your natural teeth for virtually unnoticeable treatment.
To prepare the tooth (or teeth) for bonding, Dr. Becker will lightly roughen the surface of the tooth and add a conditioning liquid to help the resin adhere to the tooth. Next, he will directly apply a tooth-colored, composite resin and sculpt it into the desired shape by hand.
Teeth bonding requires the precision and artistic ability of a skilled cosmetic dentist like Dr. Becker since he completes the work freehand, without the use of molds or impressions. He will use a special light to harden the material. Dr. Becker will trim, shape and polish it to match the sheen of the rest of the tooth surface.
Tooth Bonding FAQs
How Long Does Tooth Bonding Last?
Tooth bonding is not a permanent treatment, but your results can last for several years with proper oral hygiene and routine dental care. It’s key to remember that the composite we use for tooth bonding can absorb stains much like a natural tooth, so avoid tobacco use and dark foods and beverages.
Does tooth bonding hurt?
Tooth bonding does not hurt. Although some people may experience a little discomfort during the first few days after tooth bonding, most patients do not report any pain from the procedure. Dr. Becker and his dental care team make sure that patients receive exceptional dental treatment in a safe, comfortable environment.
Can I Whiten Tooth Bonding?
While the composite can become dark over time, the dentist can not brighten it up. If you are considering a teeth whitening procedure, it should be done before your tooth is bonded so that a composite shade can be selected to match the lighter color of your whitened teeth. We will match your bonding to the rest of your teeth for a natural look.
Can I Get Tooth Bonding For Advanced Dental Issues?
No. We do not recommend using tooth bonding to fix serious damage. You will need a stronger, more permanent solution. If damage to the teeth is more significant, or you desire a permanent result, Dr. Becker may recommend a dental crown or porcelain veneers.
Schedule a Dental Exam & Consultation
Dr. Ray Becker focuses on providing personalized and comprehensive care for those who want to improve their smile. If you are looking to improve your smile, we offer a variety of services in our Columbia, MD dentist office near you.
Howard County Smiles Family Dentistry offers consultations to discuss your dental concerns and evaluate your oral health. We offer teeth bonding in our Columbia, MD area dentist office. Call us today at (410) 415-9013, or schedule your appointment online!