Composite bonding
Dental Bonding
A Simple, Affordable Way to Repair Your Smile
Dental bonding is a common procedure dentists use to fill in cracks or gaps in teeth, cover stained or discolored teeth, or fill a cavity after decay has been removed. At Apopka Smiles, composite bonding is one of the quickest ways to improve the look of a tooth, often in a single visit.
What Can Bonding Fix?
- Chips and cracks in the front or back teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Stains or discoloration that whitening can't remove
- Cavities. Tooth-colored resin fills the space after decay is removed
- Uneven or worn edges
As we explain in our FAQs, bonding can reduce gaps between your teeth or change a tooth's color if it has been stained by use, age or decay. In only a few hours, you'll notice a difference in how your teeth look.
How the Bonding Procedure Works
- Preparation. The affected area of the tooth is covered with an adhesive gel.
- Application. A composite resin is applied to fill cracks, chips or cavities.
- Shaping. As the resin hardens with the help of a high-intensity lamp, the dentist molds and sculpts it to match the surrounding teeth.
- Polishing. Once the resin has hardened, it is polished to give your teeth a fresh appearance.
Benefits of Composite Bonding
- Natural-looking. The resin is matched to the color of your teeth.
- Durable. Bonding is often more durable than traditional silver amalgam fillings, and it has grown in popularity because of that.
- Long-lasting. Bonding can last more than 10 years with good care.
- Safe and affordable. It's a conservative option that preserves most of your natural tooth.
- Quick. Many bonding treatments are completed in one visit.
Bonding vs. Other Cosmetic Options
Bonding works well for small to moderate repairs. For larger changes in shape or color, or for more stain resistance, dental veneers or Lumineers may be a better choice. If a tooth is badly damaged, a dental crown or inlay or onlay may be recommended. Explore all of our cosmetic dentistry services.
Caring for Bonded Teeth
Bonding can keep your teeth looking great for years if you brush and floss regularly. Keep in mind that coffee, tea, soda and wine can affect the color of bonding over time. Avoid biting on hard objects like ice or pens, and keep up with regular cleanings and exams.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does bonding last?
Bonding can last more than 10 years with proper care.
Does bonding require numbing?
Often it doesn't, unless the bonding is filling a cavity. Our dentist will let you know ahead of time.
Can bonded teeth be whitened?
Whitening doesn't change the color of composite resin. If you plan to whiten, it's best to do it before bonding so the resin can be matched to your brighter shade.
Is bonding a good option for children?
Bonding can be used to repair chipped or decayed teeth for patients of many ages. Our dentist will look at your child's teeth and explain whether bonding, a filling or another option is the best fit.
Call Apopka Smiles at 407-788-6888 for more information about dental bonding.
Bonding is often a more durable solution than traditional silver amalgam fillings, and has increased in popularity because of it. Bonding can last for more than 10 years and is a safe and affordable option for patients. It’s likely that the popularity of bonding as a treatment will only increase as dental technology improves.
