What is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding is a popular and effective cosmetic dentistry procedure that can enhance the appearance of your smile. It involves the application of a tooth-colored composite resin to repair decayed, chipped, fractured, or discolored teeth. Dr. Alexandra Cristescu at Eastside Family Dentistry in Issaquah, WA, is highly skilled in this procedure, consistently delivering results that blend seamlessly with natural teeth. Dental bonding is a less invasive and more affordable alternative to other cosmetic treatments like veneers or crowns, making it a preferred choice for many patients.
The Dental Bonding Treatment Process
Preparation
The dental bonding process begins with a preparation phase. Dr. Cristescu will select a composite resin color that closely matches the shade of your natural teeth, ensuring the final result looks as natural as possible. No extensive preparation is needed for bonding, and anesthesia is often not necessary unless the bonding is being used to fill a decayed tooth. During this step, Dr. Cristescu will also clean the tooth thoroughly to ensure optimal bonding.
Bonding
Once the correct shade has been selected, Dr. Cristescu will slightly roughen the surface of your tooth and apply a conditioning liquid. This helps the bonding material adhere better. The tooth-colored resin is then applied, molded, and smoothed to achieve the desired shape. The dentist will use specialized tools to carefully sculpt the resin, paying close attention to the contours of your natural tooth.
Hardening
After the resin has been perfectly shaped, a special light is used to harden or “cure” the material. Once the material is hard, Dr. Cristescu will further trim and shape it, then polish it to match the sheen of the rest of your tooth surface. The entire process takes about 30 to 60 minutes per tooth. Following the hardening process, Dr. Cristescu will check your bite to ensure the bonded tooth feels comfortable and natural when you close your mouth.
The Benefits of Dental Bonding
Improves Tooth Appearance
One of the primary benefits of dental bonding is its ability to significantly improve the appearance of your teeth. Whether you have a chipped tooth, a gap between your teeth, or discoloration, dental bonding can rectify these issues. The composite resin used in bonding can be shaped and polished to match your natural teeth, providing a seamless, attractive finish.Preserves Tooth Structure
Unlike other cosmetic dental procedures that require the removal of tooth structure, dental bonding is less invasive. It preserves more of your natural tooth, which is always beneficial for your long-term oral health. This also means the procedure is typically less uncomfortable and requires less preparation time.Quick and Affordable
Dental bonding is one of the quickest and most cost-effective cosmetic dental procedures available. Most bonding procedures can be completed in one visit to Eastside Family Dentistry, eliminating the need for multiple appointments. Additionally, compared to other cosmetic procedures like veneers or crowns, dental bonding is significantly more affordable, making it a great option for patients looking for a budget-friendly way to enhance their smile.
