Tooth Bonding Specialist

What is tooth bonding?

Tooth bonding is a type of cosmetic dentistry that repairs damage to the enamel, including chips, cracks, and stains. During a tooth bonding procedure, your Central Avenue Dental provider applies a composite resin material to one (or multiple) teeth, improving their shape, size, and aesthetic appearance.

Tooth bonding requires little preparation and typically takes less than an hour. What’s more, it’s significantly cheaper than other cosmetic treatments like veneers and dental crowns.

What types of issues can tooth bonding treat?

Central Avenue Dental uses tooth bonding to correct minor cosmetic imperfections, including:

• Chips
• Fractures
• Stains and discoloration
• Gaps between teeth

Central Avenue Dental also uses tooth bonding for mini smile makeovers. If you have several stained or damaged teeth that show when you smile, bonding can make them more aesthetically pleasing. 

Am I a candidate for tooth bonding?

Tooth bonding can repair most minor instances of enamel damage, but it isn’t for everyone. If your Central Avenue Dental provider uncovers severe tooth damage or decay, you might benefit from a dental crown instead.

What happens during a tooth bonding appointment?

Before recommending tooth bonding, your Central Avenue Dental provider conducts an oral exam and takes a series of oral X-rays to assess the extent of the damage. Next, they use a shade guide to select a color of composite resin that closely matches your tooth enamel. 

After selecting a shade, your provider roughens the surface of your tooth and applies a liquid bonding agent. Next, they put the resin on your tooth, mold it accordingly, and harden it with ultraviolet light. 

When the composite resin finishes drying, your Central Avenue Dental provider polishes your teeth and provides care instructions.

How long does tooth bonding take?

The length of a tooth bonding appointment depends on the number of teeth treated and your goals. That said, most appointments take between 30-60 minutes. What’s more, there’s rarely a need for anesthesia, so you can return to work or other activities right away. 

How long does tooth bonding last?

The composite resin used in tooth bonding typically lasts an average of 10-15 years, but it’s possible to extend its lifespan. Central Avenue Dental recommends:

• Brushing your teeth twice daily
• Flossing before going to bed at night
• Avoiding bad habits like nail-biting and opening packaging with your teeth
• Drinking dark beverages like coffee from a straw

It’s also important to visit Central Avenue Dental once every six months for an oral exam and professional teeth cleaning. 

To repair damage to your enamel with tooth bonding, make an appointment at Central Avenue Dental by calling the office or scheduling online today.