Dental Bonding
Westchester Cosmetic Dentistry
Have a chipped tooth or gap? Dental bonding—also known as adhesive bonding—is the process that can improve the appearance of your smile. Teeth bonding uses moldable, resin, tooth-colored composites that are attached or “bonded” to the remaining tooth structure. This process helps to rebuild the tooth to its original formation.
Bonding can repair a number of tooth imperfections, including but not limited to:
- Closing small spaces
- Covering small stains
- Repairing small fractures
- Treating sensitive teeth
- Lightening tooth shade
Although not as durable as porcelain veneers, bonding is a quick and beautiful way to restore your smile and can last for many years. At South Bay Smiles, we offer bonding as one of our cosmetic dentistry services. Your Westchester dentist, Dr. Bradley Matthew, DDS, MICOI, is an expert in dental bonding and has helped numerous patients achieve new and improved smiles.
The Process
Dental bonding is among the easiest and least expensive cosmetic dental procedures. Bonding can be done in one visit to our Los Angeles South Bay private dentist office, and usually does not require a local anesthetic. A shade guide is used to select a composite resin color that will closely match the color of your tooth. Then a gentle phosphoric solution is applied to the surface of the natural tooth, to prepare it for the bonding agent. After the agent is applied, Dr. Matthew places a resin on the area to be repaired. The resin is blended to match the color of your existing tooth/teeth so that there are no physical abnormalities.
After shaping and contouring the tooth to its desired appearance, the resin is hardened and set with an ultraviolet light. After the material is hardened, Dr. Matthew will further trim, shape, and polish it to match the sheen of the other tooth surfaces. Overall, dental bonding takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes per tooth to complete.
Unlike veneers or crowns that must be manufactured in a lab, bonding usually can be done in one office visit unless several teeth are involved. Additionally, the least amount of tooth enamel is removed as compared to veneers and crowns. As a board-certified dentist, Dr. Matthew, DDS, MICOI, is experienced in bonding procedures and can provide a quick, painless, and long-lasting way to enhance and preserve your smile.
Care: Make Your Bonding Last
The lifespan of dental bonding depends on how much bonding was done and your oral habits. Typically, dental bonding lasts from 3 to 10 years before needing to be touched up or replaced. Because bonding material can chip, it is important to avoid such habits as biting fingernails or chewing on pens, ice, or other hard food objects. Following these guidelines will maximize the life of your bonded teeth. If you do notice any sharp edges on a bonded tooth or if your tooth feels odd when you bite down, call Dr. Matthew and South Bay Smiles immediately.
Bonded teeth do not require special care. Simply follow good oral hygiene practices. Brush teeth at least twice a day, floss at least once a day, and visit our South Bay dentist Dr. Matthew, DDS, MICOI, for regular professional check-ups every six months. Ultimately, dental bonding is a great way to cure small cosmetic imperfections or correct dental defects.
Dental Bonding FAQs
What is the dental bonding material made of?
It is made of a resin that can be matched to the color of your natural teeth.
What are the benefits of dental bonding as compared to alternatives?
Teeth bonding is an alternative to the use of silver fillings and has many advantages. Bonds are more structurally sound since the composite resin used for bonding can adhere directly to the tooth. Composites can also be color-matched to existing teeth and are useful for fixing minor cracks, chips, and gaps.
Do I need to take special care of my bonded teeth?
Generally, no. Special care is not needed for dental bonding; however, it is a good idea to stay away from harsh toothpastes and hard toothbrushes to make sure the dental bonding does not dull. It is also important to maintain good dental hygiene and schedule regular dental check-ups with Dr. Matthew, DDS, MICOI at South Bay Smiles.
How long will dental bonding last?
Composite bonds can last approximately 10 years, depending on your dental care habits.
What is the average price of dental bonding?
Teeth bonding procedures vary in cost depending on the extent of work performed. You can check with your individual insurance company to see if dental bonding is covered or not. You can also call our Los Angeles South Bay office at (310) 670-0659 for more information about procedure pricing and payment options.
To Learn More About Dental Bonding
Dr. Matthew, DDS, MICOI, a Westchester-based dentist, is an expert at creating and enhancing beautiful smiles for all of his patients. Located in Los Angeles, we serve the surrounding areas including Santa Monica, Marina del Rey, Venice, and Hermosa Beach.
To consult with a dentist about the best cosmetic approach for your particular problem or to see if dental bonding is right for you, contact Dr. Matthew, DDS, MICOI at (310) 670-0659.