What is Dental Bonding?

This dental procedure involves applying composite resin to the surface of a tooth to change its shape or size or to cover minor flaws like stains, cracks, chips, or gummy smiles. 

If you would benefit from dental bonding, we will first choose a shade that closely resembles your tooth color. Then, we will roughen your tooth’s surface and lightly coat it with a conditioning liquid to help the resin bond more easily. Next, we apply the putty-like material to your teeth and shape it to your desired results. Once we’ve achieved the ideal shape, we will use a curing light to harden the resin. Once it’s set, we will make any final changes to the shape, polish your tooth, and you will be ready to show off your stunning new smile.

What Problems Can Be Fixed with Dental Bonding?

Several issues can be fixed with dental bonding: 

  • Chipped teeth 
  • Cracked teeth 
  • Gaps between teeth 
  • Discolored teeth 
  • Stained teeth 
  • Misshapen teeth 
  • Receding gum line  
  • Teeth damaged due to tooth decay 
  • Sensitive teeth 

Dental bonding is a simple cosmetic dentistry procedure that is quick and painless. Composite bonding restores teeth and substantially improves how your teeth look and function. No anesthesia is typically required with a composite restoration unless there are serious dental issues underlying the problematic teeth. Your Miami Beach cosmetic dentist, Dr. Maria Escoto, can bond one or several teeth.  

After a thorough evaluation and review of findings, our dentist will discuss a treatment plan with you. Our front desk team will answer any questions related to cost and insurance billing, and we can begin transforming your smile from dull to dazzling as soon as you’re ready.

How Long Does Dental Bonding Last?

Most dentists will tell you that dental bonding can last up to ten years when the tooth is well cared for according to your dentist’s instructions. After several years, your dentist will check the bonding site to determine if the bond needs to be replaced or retouched. It may still be fine as is. 

You can do certain things to give your bond a longer lifespan. Avoid biting directly into your food, particularly hard, crunchy foods that can hurt the dental bonding. Practicing good oral hygiene will also help lengthen the lifespan of your composite restoration.

How to Care for Bonded Teeth

The after-care instructions for dental bonding are simple: 

Brush twice per day with a soft-bristled toothbrush 

  • Floss at least once per day with string floss, not floss sticks 
  • See your SoBeDentist™ for twice-yearly exams and cleanings 
  • Wear a mouthguard when participating in contact sports 

Avoid the following after your bonding procedure: 

  • Hard, crunchy foods 
  • Teeth-staining foods and drinks 
  • Tobacco 
  • Acidic foods that erode the resin-like soda and juice 
  • Hard bristle toothbrushes 
  • Abrasive toothpastes that contain activated charcoal for whitening

Dental Bonding vs. Other Options

You may learn that dental bonding is not the best treatment option for your particular dental issues. In that case, you will likely hear about porcelain veneers and/or dental crowns. 

Dental veneers (porcelain veneers) are wafer-thin, custom-designed shells bonded to the surface of your tooth where the problem lies. Unlike dental bonding, porcelain veneers can change teeth color, length, size, and color, so in some cases, porcelain veneers may be the better option. 

Porcelain veneers are the same color as your natural teeth, so veneers may be the best option for multiple stained teeth. Porcelain veneers are applied on the front part of your teeth, and they are an excellent alternative for closing gaps between teeth and improving the appearance of misshapen and crooked teeth. composite restoration

If your teeth are severely damaged and a composite restoration won’t do the trick, you may need a dental crown, a tooth-shaped cap molded to fit the top part of your tooth. A crown will restore and strengthen your tooth’s function, and it can last longer than dental bonding when correctly cared for according to your dentist’s instructions.

Learn More About Dental Bonding in Miami Beach, Florida

Please call Dr. Maria Escoto at SoBeDentist™ today at (305) 535-2225 to schedule an appointment if you have a chipped, cracked, or otherwise damaged tooth that may require dental bonding. You may also fill out our online contact form, and one of our dental team members will reach out to assist with scheduling or answer any questions you may have.