Dental bonding is a cosmetic dental treatment that is often perfect for spots, chips, or other small defects in teeth. It is a relatively simple and minimally invasive procedure that can be performed in our dental office.
Our cosmetic dentist, David R. Newkirk, DDS, has helped many patients achieve a dazzling smile with dental bonding. If you are interested in personalized oral care, schedule your consultation with Dr. Newkirk today!
What Is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding involves the application of a tooth-colored resin material to the surface of the tooth.* This material has the consistency of stiff putty and contains light-activated accelerators, so that when an intense light is shined on it, it will harden. The resin is designed to blend seamlessly with the teeth in order to produce natural-looking results. Moreover, dental bonding is a versatile technique that can address a multitude of mild to moderate cosmetic dental concerns, not limited to chips, spots, misalignment, and discoloration.
How Is Dental Bonding Performed?
The surface of the tooth near the repair area is first roughened slightly, and the edges may be feathered so that the repair becomes undetectable. Then this area is etched, and a bonding agent is applied. The composite restorative material is then placed over the defect, trimmed, and polished.
Usually, there are several shades of composite used for a single repair. Notice in the photographs below that the teeth are not a single shade from top to bottom. There are also varying translucencies in a natural tooth. The biting edge is fairly translucent. The body of the tooth has a more opaque inner dentin covered with a more translucent, shiny enamel. Dr. Newkirk is skilled in manipulating all these materials to replicate your natural tooth structure.
Here is an example of a chip on a front tooth that is repaired with dental bonding:
Dental bonding is considered a minimally invasive treatment, and a recovery period is typically not necessary.* That said, in order to preserve the results of the procedure, we advise you to avoid food and drink with staining agents (such as red wine or coffee) for the first few days after treatment. As always, following your personalized aftercare instructions will increase your chances of long-lasting effects.
How Much Does Dental Bonding Cost?
The cost of dental bonding at our practice often depends on:
- The complexity of the procedure
- The number of teeth being treated
- The incorporation of other cosmetic dentistry treatments
- Additional factors
Please also understand that while some insurance companies may cover dental bonding, others may not. For more information about paying for your care, please do not hesitate to speak to a member of our friendly team.
If you would like Dr. Newkirk to repair one of your damaged teeth, call our office to schedule an appointment (630-528-1790), or you may request an appointment online.
“Absolutely the best! Dr. Newkirk and his staff are head and shoulders above their peers, with affordable dental care and cosmetic dentistry that will leave you wondering why you didn’t visit them sooner.”