Dental bonding, also known as tooth bonding, is a treatment during which a composite resin is applied to the teeth to address various general and cosmetic dental problems. While often thought of as primarily cosmetic, dental bonding offers the dual benefits of improved appearance and added strength and structural support.
Common Uses for Tooth Bonding
Dental bonding is often applied to teeth that are:
- Chipped or cracked
- Misshapen
- Crookedly presented
- Irregularly spaced
- Severely discolored
Tooth bonding can also be used to cover larger cavities and to build up teeth that have lost significant enamel though things like acid erosion, aggressive tooth brushing, or the aging process. Please visit our before and after dental bonding gallery to see actual patient results.
Dental bonding offers a cost-effective alternative to porcelain veneers for many common cosmetic problems. The treatment may also serve in place of a dental crown for some teeth.
It is important to remember that bonding will not last as long as crowns of veneers and is not always a suitable alternative. The best way to learn if it is a good option for you is through a one-on-one consultation with Houston cosmetic dentist Dr. Ronald Konig.
The Dental Bonding Process
Before tooth bonding materials can be placed, Dr. Konig will prepare the teeth being treated by gently roughing the enamel. This provides a slightly porous surface to which the dental resins can adhere.
Once the teeth have been prepared, the bonding materials are applied in layers, with a curing light used to harden each layer in between applications. Following the final application, the bonding resin is polished and smoothed to resemble natural tooth enamel. The entire process can be completed in a single office visit.
The composite resin used for dental bonding is individually shaded, allowing us to match adjacent teeth in color. This helps ensure that your results will be unobtrusive, offering only to add to your smile instead of pulling attention to cosmetically enhanced teeth. However, like all dental restorations, tooth bonding cannot be whitened, which makes proper care essential for long-lasting results.
This is not a painful procedure, but we account for potential discomfort – both emotional and physical – by offering safe and effective sedation dentistry options. If sedation services would be beneficial for your comfort, we would be happy to discuss our comprehensive range of sedation options during your initial consultation.
How Long Tooth Bonding Lasts
How long dental bonding lasts is, at least somewhat, up to you. Taking care of your restorations is the best way to ensure they continue to provide their function for many years.
To prevent damaging the composite resin:
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and a nonabrasive toothpaste
- Avoid chewing ice, hard candy, and similarly hardened consumables
- Avoid chewing or biting non-consumables such as plastic
- Avoid grinding your teeth
You can further protect your bonding by visiting our office twice yearly for professional cleanings and examinations. During these visits, we will check all of your restorations to ensure they are working properly. This enables us to suggest touch-ups before minor issues become major problems, allowing you to maintain a smile that looks and feels amazing for years to come.
To schedule a consultation at our Houston office, please call 713-668-2289. Dr. Konig welcomes patients from The Woodlands, Katy, Sugar Land, Conroe, Pearland, and surrounding areas of Texas.
