Do you have a chipped tooth? Is a single stained tooth impacting the rest of your smile? Dr. Matthew Gerald offers teeth bonding in Vienna, VA. This is a cosmetic dental treatment used to repair chips and cracks in the enamel, conceal staining or discoloration, lengthen shorter teeth, and fill gaps between teeth.
As a quick and economical treatment, dental bonding benefits patients who are new to cosmetic services and want to address minor issues. We use bonding material that can be color-matched to blend in with patient’s smiles for the most natural-looking result possible.
The Advantages of Dental Bonding
There are many advantages to choosing dental bonding. It is a very low cost treatment compared to the alternatives. It will cost around $300 – $600 per tooth. Additionally, the treatment time is very fast. You will only need to visit the office once and leave with a updated smile. Most importantly, teeth bonding is versatile. Our team uses it to treat many dental concerns including:
- Cover permanent teeth stains
- Repair chipped teeth
- Correct the appearance of minor misalignment
- Close gaps between teeth
- Reshape worn or misshapen teeth
Dental Bonding Treatment
To begin, Dr. Gerald uses a local anesthetic to numb the area around the tooth or teeth being treated. He will prepare the teeth by cleaning them and then removing a small portion of the tooth enamel. This creates a proper bonding surface for the composite resin.
Then, Dr. Gerald applies the bonding resin to the tooth and sculpts into the proper shape until the tooth looks natural. Once it is the desired shape and shade, the resin is cured with a special light. Finally, the bonded teeth are polished.
Caring for Bonded Teeth
Patients can clean bonded teeth just like natural teeth. If patients maintain their bonded teeth with routine oral health care and regular dental visits, their results can last for years. Our team can also reapply the bonding material. Down the road, patients may want to try a more extensive treatment.
Porcelain veneers are an alternative to dental bonding that is more permanent. However, veneers often cost more, can be difficult to remove, and may cause tooth sensitivity. Tooth bonding is a good first step for patients with minor cosmetic concerns.
What are the risks associated with tooth bonding?
This treatment is fairly simple to perform and does not alter the tooth in a significant way. This makes it not only very low risk, but also very safe. This only downside to using it is that the bonding material is not permanent and may break or chip.
Can I drink coffee with bonded teeth?
Similar to natural enamel, the resin substance used in dental bonding can become stained. You are more likely to require further dental bonding sooner if you drink coffee, tea, wine, or other stains-causing beverages frequently.
Does bonding stain easily?
Similar to natural enamel, the resin substance used in dental bonding can become stained. You are more likely to require additional dental bonding sooner if you drink coffee, tea, wine, or other stains-causing beverages frequently.
How strong is tooth bonding?
Tooth enamel is more durable than dental bonding, however, with proper maintenance, dental bonding can last up to 10 years. A composite resin is the material used to make dental bonding. This material is strong, but not quite as strong as your natural tooth enamel.
How long will my teeth be sensitive after bonding?
Teeth are typically sensitive after bonding. The sensitivity will disappear on its own in a few days, occasionally a few weeks, if the tooth is sensitive when chewing on harder foods. Patients may also feel sensitivity upon contact with hot or cold foods. This should go away within a few days.
Schedule a Consultation for Teeth Bonding in Vienna, VA
Dr. Matthew Gerald offers consultations for teeth bonding in Vienna, VA. Here, you will get a chance to discuss your concerns and he will conduct an analysis of your smile. He may recommend bonding as a conservative way to treat your issue. Contact the dentist office of Dr. Gerald today to get started. You can reach us by calling (703) 721-4796 or by filling out a form on our website to request an appointment.