Foxhall Smiles provides tooth bonding to treat minor cosmetic concerns and tooth damage for patients in our Washington, D.C. dentist office. Dr. Catanzano is dedicated to finding solutions to our patients’ cosmetic and restorative dental problems. He will collaborate with you to make sure that treatment aligns with your personal goals while supporting your long-term dental health.
Dental bonding is a cosmetic dental option for repairing teeth that are chipped, cracked, fractured, stained, discolored, and misshapen. In addition, tooth bonding can be used to stabilize the tooth root. Patients who do not want a permanent restoration benefit from dental bonding. Learn about the ideal candidate for tooth bonding as well as the bonding process below:
Is Dental Bonding Right For Me?
Many dentists believe tooth bonding is the best solution for treating minor to moderate tooth damage for some patients. Dr. Catanzano may also recommend dental crowns or a tooth extraction for patients with severe cases of tooth damage. Before treatment, our Washington DC dentist will examine your teeth and gums, considering your budget, goals, and health.
Tooth bonding is ideal because it treats so many conditions. Because it’s temporary and removable, we can use it in treatments for children. It’s also good for patients who are unsure if they want to commit to a permanent solution. Since it’s temporary, it’s also more affordable for many patients. Just about any person is a good candidate for dental bonding treatment.
Professional teeth whitening is usually the go-to solution when you have discolored teeth. However, not all discoloration responds to traditional whitening methods. In this case, dental bonding is a good option. We color-match the material so that the bonded tooth fits in perfectly with the rest of your smile. The moldable material covers the discolored tooth so that no one can see the discoloration.
Dental bonding fills in cracks and repairs teeth that are chipped or broken. The material can fit into the nooks and crannies of any cracks in your teeth. When a piece of your tooth breaks off, the sharp edges can harm the soft tissues in your mouth. You may also have exposed dental nerves and experience pain when something brushes them. Dental bonding fills out the damaged tooth to return it to its natural structure.
Each time we use dental bonding, it’s completely custom to the specific patient’s need. Small gaps between your teeth don’t require extensive orthodontic treatment. If you have gaps that don’t severely impact your smile, bonding can take care of them. We mold the material so you have the appearance of a complete, even smile.
Dental Bonding Treatment
We can complete dental bonding treatment with just one visit to our dentist office. If we use composite bonding as a filling for tooth decay, we’ll provide you with a local anesthetic for the area. For other instances of bonding treatment, patients usually only experience mild discomfort, and anesthesia normally isn’t needed.
The tooth doesn’t require much preparation for a typical bonding procedure. We remove a very minimal amount of tooth structure before we place the bonding material. However, if we use it for a dental filling, we prepare your tooth by removing tooth decay. We’ll reshape the tooth and remove any decayed material. You’ll be able to look at an array of shades, and we’ll discuss which shade of white will blend in the best with your smile.
Once you’re ready, we roughen the surface of the treatment area and apply a conditioning liquid. The bonding material adheres better this way. The resin is similar to putty in its consistency. We’ll mold it to fit the desired treatment area and give you a mirror to get your approval before we finalize the treatment. A special light hardens the resin and we polish it so that it has a sheen to match that of your natural teeth.
Tooth Bonding FAQs
Learn the answers to frequent questions about Tooth Bonding:
How long does tooth bonding last?
Tooth bonding is not permanent. Tooth bonding material can last between three and ten years. After three to ten years, a dentist will need to touch up existing bonding or replace it with new bonding material.
Can tooth bonding fix crooked teeth?
Yes, your dentist can use dental bonding to repair crooked teeth. Additionally, the dentist can use bonding as a better alternative to braces for some patients.
Does tooth bonding hurt?
The tooth bonding procedure is mostly painless. Most patients won’t need pain medication. However, you may experience tooth sensitivity to heat and cold. If a patient does feel any pain or discomfort after the procedure, they can take over-the-counter medication.
Can a dentist remove dental bonding?
Yes. The dentist will remove dental bonding with a unique type of sandpaper, which he will place on a small rotating disc. Your dentist will use this tool to remove all the bonding material from your teeth. Most people will never realize you had the procedure.
Does tooth bonding look natural?
An experienced cosmetic dentist will ensure your teeth bonding procedure produces a natural-looking tooth or teeth.
Does tooth bonding hurt?
A dental bonding procedure should be relatively pain-free. This is because the dentist is working on the surface of your teeth. However, if your dentist used a bond to repair a cavity, you may experience some pain and discomfort. The dentist may recommend a painkiller if this happens. Overall, most patients experience little to no discomfort. Overall, most patients experience little to no discomfort.
Request a Dental Exam and Consultation
Call Foxhall Smiles today at 202-315-2188. You can also schedule a dental exam and consultation with Dr. Catanzano and his professional dental team on our website. Our staff aims to give patients a comfortable and relaxing dental visit every time they visit our Washington, D.C. office.