Are you looking to conceal minor blemishes on your natural smile? Do you want an affordable approach to cosmetic dentistry? If so, tooth bonding could be exactly the service you need to subtly improve your smile for impactful results.
Minor tooth chips, stains, or cracks can ruin the uniformity of your smile. With tooth bonding services, our doctors can conceal these minor blemishes and restore the consistency of your smile. Learn more about tooth bonding below.
Tooth Bonding in Gaithersburg, MD
Dr. Steven Anolik and Dr. Corey Anolik are your experienced cosmetic dentists in Gaithersburg, MD. Together, they have helped hundreds of patients achieve their dream smiles with our extensive menu of cosmetic dentistry services. Tooth bonding is an excellent option for patients of all ages.
Bonding can also be used to address cosmetic concerns on children’s baby teeth as we wait for them to be replaced by permanent teeth. Adults benefit from tooth bonding because it is a minimally invasive, affordable procedure that conceals blemishes that may be interfering with their smiles’ uniformity.
How does tooth bonding work?
During the tooth bonding procedure, a tooth-colored resin material will be placed over the blemish you are trying to conceal. Tooth bonding works best to address the following issues:
- repairing minor chips or cracks
- concealing bleach-resistant stains or discoloration
- filling in gaps between the teeth
- lengthening a tooth that is shorter than the rest
A small amount of enamel may need to be removed to make space for the bonding material; however, this is considered a minimally invasive procedure that should not cause pain or discomfort.
Resin is applied over the blemish, hardened to the tooth using ultraviolet light, and shaped down to seamlessly blend in with your smile. We ensure the bonding material does not interfere with your bite pattern or brush against the inside of your lip.
How long does tooth bonding last?
Tooth bonding can last for several years if you maintain good at-home oral hygiene routines and continue to visit with your dentist once every six months. Tooth bonding can be easily reapplied over time if needed.
Can my dentist complete tooth bonding in a single visit?
Yes, Dr. Anolik can usually complete tooth bonding in a single visit. The procedure usually takes around 30 to 60 minutes per tooth. During the appointment, we will prepare the tooth, apply the bonding material, and shape it to match your natural tooth.
We will then harden it with a special light. Once it’s hardened, Dr. Anolik will polish the bonded tooth to give it a natural appearance. It’s a quick and effective way to repair minor chips, gaps, or discolorations in your teeth.
Does insurance cover tooth bonding?
Insurance coverage for tooth bonding depends on the reason for the procedure. If the bonding is done for cosmetic reasons, insurance may not cover it. However, if the bonding is necessary for restorative purposes, like repairing a decayed tooth or fixing a fracture, insurance is more likely to cover it. It’s important to check with your provider to understand your coverage and any out-of-pocket costs.
What is the difference between composite and bonding teeth?
Dentists use composite, a tooth-colored resin, for various treatments like fillings, veneers, and cosmetic enhancements. When we apply this composite resin to your teeth to fix chips, gaps, or discoloration, we call it bonding. So, composite is the material, and bonding is the process of using that material to improve your smile.
Do they shave your teeth for bonding?
For bonding, dentists usually don’t need to shave down your teeth significantly. We might slightly roughen the surface to help the bonding material adhere better. However, this process doesn’t involve removing much of the tooth structure. Bonding is less invasive than other procedures like veneers or crowns requiring more teeth shaping.
Schedule An Appointment
Ready to get started on your journey to your dream smile? Schedule an appointment with TotallySmiles online today.