Dental bonding uses tooth-colored ceramic or composite resin materials to improve the look of the smile. Patients with damaged or discolored teeth benefit from bonding treatment, receiving more balanced and bright teeth. Tooth bonding can add structure to teeth and change the shape and shade of the enamel. Dr. Christopher Banks provides teeth bonding as a cosmetic dentistry service in Washington, DC, to improve the appearance of the natural smile.
What Can Dental Bonding Treat?
Similar to porcelain veneers, teeth bonding in our Washington, DC, dental office can treat many different conditions. It just provides treatment more affordably and temporarily. Bonding is one of the most affordable dental procedures, partly because it can be removed.
While it isn’t a permanent procedure like porcelain veneers, bonding can still last an average of 3 to 7 years if you take care of it properly. Since it’s removable and reversible, we can use bonding to treat children. Dental bonding can address the following:
- Tooth Stains: Everyone deals with tooth discoloration at some point. Deep intrinsic staining doesn’t respond to professional teeth whitening. We can color-match bonding material to match any shade of white you desire.
- Gaps Between Teeth: If you have small gaps between your teeth, we can mold bonding to close those gaps. When gaps are small, bonding can eliminate the need for orthodontics and more expensive procedures. Bonding is also a great option for back triangles, or small gaps between the teeth and gums.
- Tooth Chips or Cracks: We recommend bonding for small chips or cracks in your teeth. Bonding can help add more structure to these teeth and create an even look. They can also potentially prevent small chips from worsening over time.
The Benefits of Teeth Bonding in Washington, DC
Tooth bonding has many benefits. Since it’s malleable, we can mold the material to match the shape and size of the problem tooth completely. This way, it looks natural and blends in with your smile.
We can create any shape and size you need with the material’s flexibility. If a portion of your tooth chips or breaks off, we can mold bonding material to fill in the missing portion to make your tooth whole again. This provides both cosmetic and restorative benefits.
If a large portion breaks off, it can expose the sensitive nerves and soft tissues inside the tooth. Finishing the tooth again eliminates nerve pain and sensitivity and protects the inside of your tooth from bacteria. Each bonding treatment session is unique.
Dental Bonding vs. Porcelain Veneers
Veneers and dental bonding both improve the appearance of your teeth, but they work differently. Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells that are placed over the front of your teeth. They’re usually made of porcelain and can fix problems like discoloration, gaps, and uneven teeth. While dental veneers are durable and look natural, they can cost more than cosmetic bonding.
Bonding offers a quicker and more economical option for fixing minor issues like small chips or stains. Bonding is effective but may not last as long as veneers. However, we can easily remove and repair bonding material. Veneers permanently remove a portion of your tooth enamel, and bonding requires less preparation.
Tooth Bonding Treatment in Washington, DC
Dental bonding is a non-invasive treatment that takes just one in-office visit. Before treatment, Dr. Banks will fully examine your teeth and gums. If you have dental issues like tooth decay or gum disease, he’ll treat those issues first. Like other cosmetic treatments, good oral health will ensure your bonding lasts. One of our registered dental hygienists will also clean your teeth for the best results.
To begin bonding treatment, Dr. Banks preps the tooth for the bonding material by gently roughening the tooth surface. The rougher surface helps the dental material adhere to the tooth. Dr. Banks ensures that the bonding material matches your desired shade before he applies it to your tooth.
After the bonding material dries, he buffs and polishes the tooth to blend in with the other natural teeth. Dental bonding treatment is comfortable, painless, and quick. We can complete tooth bonding treatment in just one office visit.
Aftercare
You want to keep your teeth as beautiful as possible after treatment. Caring for your bonded teeth will help keep them bright and intact. Follow these tips to care for bonded teeth.
Avoid Certain Foods and Drinks
Don’t have foods and drinks that typically stain teeth directly after bonding treatment. Coffee, tea, berries, and wine can stain the bonding material. Try to avoid these staining foods and drinks for at least 48 hours after the treatment. This gives the bonding material time to fully set.
You should also avoid hard or crunchy foods. Eating hard foods, like nuts or ice, can put a lot of pressure on the bonding and might cause it to crack or chip. This can make your teeth look uneven or lead to extra trips to the dentist for repairs. Sticking to a soft diet right after treatment will also help you get used to your bonded teeth.
Clean Your Teeth
Cleaning bonded teeth doesn’t require special methods. To care for bonded teeth, brush at least twice daily and floss at least once daily. Choose a toothbrush with soft bristles. Medium and hard bristles are more abrasive and can damage your teeth.
You should also use regular dental floss and avoid stick flossers. Toothpastes that use activated charcoal and mouthwashes that contain alcohol also wear down the bonding material.
Avoid Bad Habits
When you eat, try not to bite down on hard foods like pretzels and nuts directly on the bonding material. Don’t use your teeth for anything other than their normal purpose. Opening packages with your teeth can affect not only the bonding material but also your natural tooth structure. Habits like chewing on pens or biting your nails can have the same effect.
Patient Review
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you want to know more about treatment? Let us help. Read answers to common questions about tooth bonding in our Washington, DC, office.
Am I a candidate for tooth bonding?
You may be a good candidate for tooth bonding if you have minor cosmetic issues with your teeth, like small chips, cracks, gaps, or discoloration. Tooth bonding works well for people who want to improve the look of their teeth without major dental work.
It’s best for patients who have healthy teeth and gums. If you have cavities or gum disease, your dentist will likely recommend treating those issues first before considering bonding.
Is tooth bonding permanent?
No, bonding isn’t permanent. Treatment can last 5 to 10 years with the right care. If your bonding chips or wears down, call us so we can repair or replace the material. We can reapply the resin to fix any issues and keep your smile looking great.
Can you whiten tooth bonding?
You can’t whiten tooth bonding like your natural teeth. Tooth bonding is made from a special resin material that does not respond to whitening treatments like bleach does. So, if you try whitening on bonded teeth, they won’t change color.
Talk to our dentist first if you’re considering whitening your natural teeth. He can find the best way to match the color of your bonded teeth with your whitened teeth.
How long does dental bonding take?
Dental bonding is a quick procedure that usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes per tooth. During treatment, Dr. Banks will apply a tooth-colored resin to your tooth, shape it, and harden it with a special light. Then he polishes the resin for a natural sheen. The whole process is simple and painless, and you can return to your normal activities right after the appointment.
Is tooth bonding painful?
No, tooth bonding isn’t painful. Most patients don’t need anesthesia or sedation because the procedure is simple and doesn’t involve drilling or affecting sensitive parts of the tooth. Dr. Banks will prepare your tooth with a conditioning liquid and may etch into the tooth, but this doesn’t hurt.
Can I reverse bonding treatment?
Yes. We apply the tooth-colored resin to the surface of your tooth, so Dr. Banks can carefully remove it if needed. But keep in mind that the process may take time, and removing the bonding material could affect the appearance of your tooth.
If you’re unsure about bonding, you can discuss all your options with Dr. Banks before treatment. He’ll make sure it’s the right choice for you.
Can I get tooth bonding for a single tooth?
Yes, you can get tooth bonding for one tooth. Since bonding is a quick and simple treatment, it works well for fixing a single tooth. You can get bonding treatment in just one visit to our dentist.
Is teeth bonding expensive?
Teeth bonding is generally one of the more affordable cosmetic dental treatments. The cost can vary based on the number of teeth treated and the complexity of the procedure.
Bonding is less expensive than other cosmetic treatments like veneers or crowns. We can give you a more accurate estimate based on your specific needs. If you have dental insurance, it may cover some or all the cost if you get bonding for a necessary repair rather than just cosmetic reasons.
Enhance Your Smile Today
Are you looking for a quick and effective way to fix a chipped tooth? Ask us about dental bonding treatment in Washington, DC. Schedule a dental appointment with Dr. Banks online. You may also call Dupont Dental at (202) 946-4720.