Dental Bonding Can to Dramatically Transform Your Smile

Dr. E. Richard Hughes can correct chips, cracks, and minor tooth imperfections that may have been caused by decay or trauma with a simple dental bonding procedure at our Sterling, VA, office. Using the tooth-colored composite resin material, Dr. Hughes can refine the shape and shade of your teeth, for a straight and uniform smile. This cosmetic procedure is similar to but more affordable than porcelain veneers, and is an excellent alternative for patients who are not candidate for porcelain veneers. 

Dental bonding is an ideal cosmetic treatment for concealing a variety of cosmetic concerns.

What is Dental Bonding?

Composite resin, the same material used for tooth-colored fillings, is strong and durable and can protect your teeth from damage. We can match the color of this material to the shade of your natural teeth for a seamless look. Dental bonding is an ideal cosmetic treatment for concealing a variety of cosmetic concerns, including:

  • Minor damage, including chips and cracks
  • Pointed, overly rounded, or otherwise misshapen teeth
  • Intrinsic stains that do not respond to professional teeth whitening
  • Gaps between teeth
  • Minor misalignment

Am I a Candidate for Dental Bonding?

If you are unhappy with the appearance of your smile due to minor imperfections, dental bonding is an excellent treatment choice. To undergo any cosmetic treatment, your smile must be free from oral health concerns such as cavities or gum disease. Dental bonding is ideal for patients who are non-smokers. Tobacco can permanently stain the composite resin, which would then either require removal or replacement. Dental bonding is also a great alternative for patients who lack a sufficient amount of tooth enamel to qualify for porcelain veneers.

What to Expect During Dental Bonding Treatment

Prior to treatment, you will meet with Dr. Hughes for a cosmetic consultation. He will thoroughly evaluate your oral health and discuss your goals with you. Once he has determined that dental bonding is appropriate for your needs, he can proceed with treatment. The dental bonding process can take a half hour to two hours, depending on the number of teeth that are being treated. However, you can typically leave our office with a transformed smile after a single procedure.

Dr. Hughes will mix the composite resin solution to create a shade that matches your surrounding teeth. He may apply a gentle acidic solution to your teeth, which creates microscopic etches in the tooth’s surface for a stronger bond. Once the solution is rinsed away, Dr. Hughes can apply the bonding agent to your teeth. The composite resin is applied in layers and is carefully shaped to create your desired appearance. Dr. Hughes will then smooth the resin and harden it with a specialized light. He will thoroughly check to ensure the newly bonded teeth do not impact your bite in any way, while ensuring your smile is uniform and symmetrical. Finally, Dr. Hughes will polish the surface of the bonding, which gives it a much more natural look.

Dental bonding is an affordable, quick cosmetic treatment that can provide lifelike results, which can make it undetectable to others.

Benefits of Dental Bonding

Dental bonding can immediately transform your smile and requires no recovery period. In a single appointment, you can achieve the smile of your dreams. The composite resin also adds strength to your teeth, while also providing you with a straighter, more symmetrical, and brighter smile. Dental bonding is an affordable, quick cosmetic treatment that can provide lifelike results, which can make it undetectable to others. 

Enhance Your Smile

With a bright and natural looking smile, you can show your smile off with more confidence than ever before. If you lack confidence in your smile due to minor cosmetic imperfections, contact our dental office today to schedule a cosmetic consultation with Dr. Hughes.