Do you want a brighter smile? Do you have a tooth with a chip in it? Tooth bonding is a cosmetic dental treatment that can address multiple problems at once. Dr. Sulekha Agrawal offers tooth bonding in Columbia, MD.
Tooth bonding is typically used to address minimal cosmetic dentistry concerns. To give patients the most natural-looking and durable result, Dr. Agrawal uses a composite resin material that is molded and color-matched to blend seamlessly with natural teeth. Dental bonding can be implemented to fix minor gaps or spaces between the teeth, address stained or discolored teeth, and fix chipped teeth.
Tooth Bonding Treatment in Columbia, MD
Tooth bonding is a fairly simple procedure. It will only require a single office visit to complete. Dr. Agrawal will first review your oral health history, budget, and goals. This is to ensure that tooth bonding is the right treatment for you.
Dr. Agrawal will prepare the tooth receiving treatment by removing a small amount of tooth enamel. Then, she shapes and sculpts a biocomposite material onto the tooth. This material is molded into the desired shape and size. We will also make sure the color matches the rest of your smile for a natural look. Finally, the dentist will use a curing light that will harden the material.
The Pros and Cons of Tooth Bonding
Dental bonding is a popular dental treatment however it is important for patients to understand the pro and cons of choosing it. The greatest benefit is that it is affordable. It is the least expensive way to fix minor damage or cosmetic issues with a tooth. The treatment itself is not painful and does not require much preparation. It can completely transform your smile in just one office visit. After the procedure, there is no down time. You can return to work or go about your day once you leave the dentist office.
On the other, dental bonding is not the best solution for restorative or cosmetic work. There are many other treatments that offer more permanent results. Porcelain veneers or dental crowns will last much longer and are more durable. While bonding may seem strong, there is a chance it can chip, crack or break. This is why we recommend avoiding chewing on hard objects. This includes your finger nails, ice, anything metal, pen caps, hard candy, etc.
Dental bonding is a great solution for a person with minor tooth damage who wants a short term solution. If you care for the bonded tooth properly, it can last for a decade.
Tooth Bonding FAQs
There are multiple common questions that our patients have about dental bonding:
How long does dental bonding last?
Tooth bonding is not a permanent solution. However, with proper care, your bonded tooth or teeth can last many years. If you would like a more permanent solution, like porcelain veneers, Dr. Agrawal will help you explore your options.
How does dental bonding compare to dental veneers?
Dental bonding and porcelain veneers may be able to treat the same problems, but they vary in price and longevity. Dental bonding is better suited as a temporary fix for cosmetic issues before you decide on a more permanent restoration. Porcelain veneers are a more durable and permanent solution for many cosmetic dental issues. At your next dental consultation, we will help you decide which solution is best for you.
Can I use dental bonding to fix a crooked smile?
Yes, bonding can cosmetically fix one or a couple of crooked teeth. However, if you have moderate to severely crooked teeth, you may want to try Invisalign.