Dental bonding is the process of adhering a composite resin material to a tooth in order to improve its appearance. This is usually done as a way to correct cosmetic problems such as chips, cracks, and gaps. Dental bonding can include:
Composite Restorations
Composite resin fillings, also known as white or tooth-colored fillings, are dental fillings that closely resemble natural tooth enamel in appearance and texture. Composites offer great advantages over amalgam fillings, which are silver-colored. Composite fillings are more aesthetic and can be placed to correct small cracks or cavities in the teeth.
Composite Veneers
Composite veneers use resin to improve the appearance of damaged teeth. Composite veneer treatment takes only one visit and usually requires little to no preparation, since the resin veneer can be fabricated by Dr. Farahi entirely in the mouth. The composite material is bonded to the surface of your teeth, allowing it to perfectly mimic the appearance of your natural teeth. While composite veneers can be used similarly to porcelain veneers, they are not as strong and work better for minor corrections.
Candidates
Candidates for bonding procedures include those who have:
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Oddly shaped teeth
- Unevenly sized teeth
- Teeth that are too short
- Teeth with gaps between them
- Overlapping teeth
- Discolored teeth
- Decayed teeth
However, bonding procedures work best for cases where these concerns are mild and only affect a small portion of the tooth structure. Dr. Farahi can help you determine if composite bonding is right for you.
The Procedure
Dental bonding procedures can be completed during a single dental appointment and require very little preparation. This is because the composite resin used for this treatment can adhere directly to the tooth enamel. For composite restorations, the composite resin will be used to fill cavities. For composite veneers, the composite resin will be directly bonded to the front of the tooth and then shaped accordingly by Dr. Farahi. In both cases, the composite will be hardened in place using a special curing light.
Dental bonding is a quick and easy procedure that can be used to restore decayed teeth or improve the appearance of your smile. For more information, schedule a consultation with Dr. Farahi and Dr. Etessam of SmileMcLean Dentistry today!