Cosmetic Bonding
Did you chip a tooth or have gaps that you want fixed?
Cosmetic bonding involves white (tooth) colored fillings to close small gaps, fixes small chips, and hides aesthetic imperfections. Fillings have come a long way and can now be used to help recontour, re-enhance and restore front teeth! With dozens of shades and hues to choose from, cosmetic composites can mimic the lifelike appearance of natural teeth and keep things conservative.
COSMETIC BONDING CAN:
- Close small gaps
- Fix small chips
- Hide erosion spots
WHAT TO EXPECT
1-2 hour appointment - Depending on how many teeth are involved
Photos will be taken before we start to assess color shape and discuss goals. If we’re looking for a cosmetic enhancement, we will need to take measurements of the teeth and discuss shape and harmony for your face.
Anesthesia is not always necessary, but can be administered if the patient prefers. Slight beveling will be performed to help transition of color from composite to the tooth to reduce a sharp delineation between composite and natural tooth. Most of the time a combination of different composites will be used to create a harmony of shades, translucency and natural appearance. Teeth are not just white! They are combinations of many, many different colors!
After the composite is applied, contoured and adjusted to your bite, a series of polishers will be used to create a lifelike luster. In many cases of broken front teeth, care must be taken with eating to ensure that the composite filling doesn’t break.
If cosmetic bonding is performed because of lost tooth structure after grinding, a nightguard will be recommended to be worn nightly.
Composite bondings can last for years as long as care is taken and upkeep is performed. Your dental care as well as your bite will determine its longevity.
If you develop a cavity, we will carefully remove the decayed areas of the tooth and fill the space with a durable dental composite material. We strive to provide beautiful and lasting natural looking restorations using proper isolation techniques with quality adhesive materials.