Dental bonding is a quick and conservative treatment that can improve the appearance of the teeth in a single visit. Some of our patients want great results fast, and are very pleased with what they can accomplish with dental bonding. Rancho Bernardo dentists Michael Singer and Ray Carpenter can perform bonding on its own or as part of a smile makeover combined with other cosmetic dentistry treatments.
Dental Bonding at a Glance
- Application of tooth-colored composite resin material to improve size or shape or cover surface flaws
- Can be completed in a single treatment
- Requires little to no removal of enamel
Is Dental Bonding Right for Me?
Dental bonding might be a great option for you if you want to improve the aesthetic appeal of imperfect or flawed teeth. The composite resin material can be sculpted to make teeth look longer or wide, or to cover up small chips, cracks or stains. In some cases, Dr. Singer or Dr. Carpenter can perform dental bonding to hide tiny spaces between the teeth.
Treatment Details
Dental bonding can be completed in a single appointment, although preliminary diagnostic procedures are required to achieve the best results. First, Dr. Singer or Dr. Carpenter will inquire as to your specific goals of treatment; then he will examine your teeth, looking for the cosmetic problems (e.g., chips, cracks, small gaps) you have described. If these problems are more serious or extensive in nature, Dr. Singer or Dr. Carpenter may recommend an alternative, such as placing a dental crown or porcelain veneer over the affected tooth/teeth.
If Dr. Singer or Dr. Carpenter determines that dental bonding can give you the results you desire, he will pick out the color of the composite resin so it matches the color of your natural teeth.
Once the tooth is prepped, Dr. Singer or Dr. Carpenter will apply the composite resin material to the tooth where needed. The resin is similar to putty in consistency. He will mold and smooth it until he achieves the proper shape, which is a very precise process that requires an artistic eye and attention to detail. Dr. Singer or Dr. Carpenter then use a special high intensity light or laser to harden the bonding material. He will check your bonded teeth within your bite to ensure there are no problems.
After Dr. Singer or Dr. Carpenter is happy with the results, he will polish the bonding material so it looks shiny and translucent like natural teeth.
Rancho Bernardo dental bonding patients can enjoy results that last for many years, as long as they practice oral hygiene and avoid any habits that could damage the teeth (i.e., chewing on hard objects like shells, pens or ice).
Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Carpenter or Dr. Singer
If you would like to learn more about cosmetic dentistry treatments such as dental bonding, Rancho Bernardo dentists Dr. Michael Singer and Dr. Ray Carpenter invite you to schedule an informational consultation. Please call (858) 487-2301 or email our office to make an appointment.