Porcelain Veneers | Tooth Whitening | Bonding & Tooth Colored Fillings | Crowns & Bridges
Professional Breath Control | Preventive Dentistry

Bonding & Tooth Colored Filings

Bonding involves the direct application of tooth-colored composite resin and is typically used to create a more attractive smile

Tooth-colored fillings are an alternative to the traditional metal fillings and fall into two categories: direct and indirect. Direct restorations include composite resin applied in one appointment. Indirect restorations (inlays or onlays) are made of porcelain or composite resin materials fabricated by a dental laboratory. These restorations usually take two appointments.

Is Bonding Right for me?
Bonding can be employed to change the size or shape of your teeth, creating a smile that appears more symmetrical and space-free. This single-visit procedure provides a fast solution for a more attractive smile and may eliminate the need for orthodontic treatment, in some cases.

Tooth stains and discolorations that resist professional tooth whitening procedures may also be masked by bonding. Although bonding may not be as long lasting as porcelain veneers or crowns, it can last for a number of years with proper care.

Are Tooth Colored Fillings Right for me?
Among the advantages of tooth-colored fillings are:

• Natural-looking aesthetic qualities
• The preservation of more natural tooth structure
• Optimal biocompatibility
• Minimal risk of allergic reaction
• No development of metal sensitivity

What Happens at the First Appointment?
Bonding the front teeth typically requires one appointment. The dentist may remove a very minor amount of tooth structure to maximize adhesion of the composite resin to the tooth, depending on the dentist’s bonding technique. A tooth-conditioning agent may be applied to the prepared tooth, followed by the application of an adhesive agent and the tooth-colored resin. The dentist will contour the resin to produce the desired aesthetic appearance, and he will then expose it to a special curing light to harden the resin.

For indirect tooth-colored inlays or onlays, after tooth preparation, impressions are taken of your teeth, and a replica of your mouth is created for the dental laboratory. A temporary filling is removed, and the inlay or onlay is secured with an adhesive agent.

Care of Cosmetically Bonded Teeth and Tooth Colored Fillings
Teeth bonded or filled with composite resin or restored with inlays or onlays should receive the same meticulous care as natural teeth. Regular brushing, flossing, tongue scraping, and professional preventive treatments are necessary to maintain proper health and appearance.