Dental Bonding - FAQ

Smile Makeover Specialist

What is cosmetic dental bonding?
Dental bonding is when a tooth-like composite resin filling is placed on your teeth. This filling is applied in a putty-like form and hardens to the same texture and transparency as your real teeth. Dental bonding is ideal for restoring decayed teeth, brightening discolorations, reshaping jagged teeth or filling the spaces between your teeth. It can lengthen your teeth and cover up any flaws like chips or holes.

How is dental bonding different than a veneer?
Bonding works by placing this tooth-like resin onto the tooth’s surface to strengthen it or alter its shape. It is quicker and less expensive than a veneer, but it will loose color over time. Also, composite resin fillings last about seven to 11 years, while veneers typically last for 10 to 15.

Who is a candidate for tooth bonding?
If you have chipped, cracked, jagged teeth, or if there are small gaps between your teeth, dental bonding may be the right fit for you. This procedure is also ideal for patients who have discolored teeth, receding gums or tooth decay. Please keep in mind that the material used in bonding is porous, so smokers will find that their bonding might turn a yellowish color. If you think you are a candidate for bonding, Dr. Mrinal Bhatt can discuss this procedure with you in more detail.

What are some advantages of dental bonding?
A tooth-colored filling has a huge aesthetic advantage over silver fillings. Unlike silver fillings, composite resin bonds to your tooth, and therefore will not foster decay at the edge of the fillings, as is sometimes the case with metal amalgam. Composite bonding allows the removal of just the decayed area of your tooth before the application of the resin material. Designed to match you tooth’s natural color, resin fillings also provide support in addition to filling cracks, chips, and gaps.

How should I care for my bonded teeth?
You should follow good dental hygiene procedures as you would normally. Be sure to brush and floss regularly. While bonded material is durable, it can crack or chip with excessive force. Avoid eating extremely hard foods, biting your nails and using your teeth to open items. Also, do not smoke if you want your bonded teeth to retain their natural enamel color. You should also schedule semi-annual dental visits to keep your bonded teeth in the best shape possible.

If you have minor but highly visible tooth irregularities that you would like to correct, dental bonding may be ideal for you. Call or e-mail our offices today.

trans zen dental, PLLC
8753 E. Bell Rd., Suite 101 | Scottsdale, AZ 85260
Phone: 480-563-4ZEN | Fax: 480-513-4ZEN