Perfect your smile with dental bonding – it’s easy, affordable, fast, and makes a dramatic difference!
Dental bonding perfectly complements our approach of designing smiles for patients with active lifestyles in and around Glenview, Illinois. Our dentists at Smile Today Dental, Drs Evelyn Kidonakis, Jinyoung Yoo, and Amir Danesh, transform gaps between teeth, mildly chipped and cracked surfaces, and other cosmetic imperfections quickly, conservatively, and affordably with this standard procedure.
“Basics” about dental bonding
“Dental” refers to teeth, and “bonding” refers to joining two things together. In this case, bonding is about the process of connecting an artificial material to the surface of the natural tooth. Our dentists use a tooth-like material: composite resin. The resin is placed over the gapped, irregularly shaped, worn, stubbornly discolored, or otherwise “imperfect” front surfaces of the teeth. In doing so, the dental composite covers up small spacing-, contour-, color-, size-, and surface-related irregularities. As a finishing touch, the material is securely bonded or fixed to the prepared tooth surface. This process also adds strength to a tooth whose enamel has been weakened. With that being said, not all patients with conditions that can be corrected with bonding are good candidates.
Can you benefit from bonding?
Bonding is an appropriate alternative to restorative procedures such as dental fillings, inlays, onlays, and full-coverage crowns. If patients have existing oral health and functional needs, our dentists may recommend restorations (like fillings) instead. Likewise, if patients have more extensive misalignment or conditions for bite correction, Drs Kidonakis, Yoo, or Danesh might suggest orthodontic treatment such as Invisalign®.
Dental bonding is generally a more conservative alternative to repair cosmetic concerns, with the notable exception of stubborn stains. Professional whitening may not sufficiently remove deep intrinsic discoloration. Accordingly, bonding can cover up or disguise very yellow or otherwise discolored teeth.
The process
Bonding can be completed in just one visit. If we determine that bonding is an appropriate option for you, one of our dentists will “prepare” both the natural tooth and the new tooth-like material. The tooth is slightly etched and conditioned to support a solid bond to the composite. The composite is perfectly matched to blend in with the color of the surrounding teeth. Our dentists’ artistry shines when the composite is applied to the tooth and then precisely shaped to address your needs, be it covering up chips, or adding length or height to a worn-down, overly-short tooth. Once the material has been shaped, it is bonded or secured to the natural tooth with a specialized curing light.
Patients appreciate that bonding is fast, conservative, painless (doesn’t require anaesthetic), preserves tooth structure, is cost-effective, and facilitates dramatic transformations. Treat the bonded tooth like you would natural teeth, with good oral hygiene at home and regular checkups at our practice. If you grind your teeth, we can discuss options to protect dental work from future damage. Call us today at 847-440-3331 to schedule your appointment. During your consultation, we may also discuss porcelain veneers. This process treats the same conditions that can be corrected with bonding. Only the porcelain material is stain-resistant, remarkably “lifelike,” and highly durable. Some natural tooth structures must be removed to accommodate the thickness of the veneer, and the procedure takes at least two visits. It also costs more upfront, but patients may find veneers’ strength and very natural appearance worth the additional expense. We look to discussing the pros and cons of various options during your visit.
