Create the Smile You’ve Always Wanted
Chips, cracks, and tooth gaps can happen after accidents or tooth decay, leaving you with a smile that does not esthetically please you. Our dentists at Herndon Dental Arts can help create the smile you want with a simple procedure — cosmetic tooth bonding through the use of composite resin. This works best if they’re small or for dental veneers/Lumineers in case of severe or big fillings or cracks.
Bonding refers to the application of tooth-colored composite resin to repair your tooth back to the shape and color you prefer that matches your other teeth.
What to Expect from Tooth Bonding
In order to correct any cracks, chips, or stains, we will start by cleaning any plaque on the tooth and the surface will be “etched” with an acidic gel that opens up tiny pores in the surface of the tooth. This will be rinsed off and the composite resin that’s chosen to perfectly match your other teeth will then be applied and sculpted over your tooth. A special light will cure the resin to ensure it’s hard and durable. We then use a dental drill to shape it to match your other teeth.
Results can be seen immediately and even a small procedure can have a huge impact on your smile and confidence. Cosmetic bonding is similar to dental veneers, however, the process is much simpler so can be completed in one visit. It does however not last as long as a veneer, but this makes it a particularly good solution for teens who need to wait until their teeth have fully matured before deciding on a permanent restorative solution.
It’s important to note that composite resin cannot be lightened, so if you plan to whiten your teeth, this should be done in advance of your treatment so the resin matches your lighter teeth. They stain at a similar rate as your natural tooth so it’s important to take care of them in the same way you would your teeth with daily flossing and brushing and professional cleanings every six months.