Dr Stan uses Cosmetic Dental bonding in conjunction with other cosmetic treatments to provide a complete smile makeover in just one visit.   Dental bonding is a procedure in which a tooth-colored resin material (a durable plastic material) is applied and hardened with a special light, which ultimately "bonds" the material to the tooth to restore or improve person's smile.

Dental bonding is an option that can be considered:

• To repair decayed teeth (composite resins are used to fill cavities)
• To repair chipped or cracked teeth
• To improve the appearance of discolored teeth
• To close spaces between teeth
• To make teeth look longer
• To change the shape of teeth
• As a cosmetic alternative to amalgam fillings
• To protect a portion of the tooth's root that has been exposed when gums recede

What is the Procedure for Having a Tooth Bonded?

• Preparation. Little advance preparation is needed for dental bonding. Anesthesia is often not necessary unless the bonding is being used to fill a decayed tooth. Dr Stan will use a shade guide to select a composite resin color that will closely match the color of your tooth.
• The bonding process. Next, the surface of the tooth will be roughened and a conditioning liquid applied. These procedures help the bonding material adhere to the tooth. The tooth-colored, putty-like resin is then applied, molded, and smoothed to the desired shape. An ultraviolet light or laser is then used to harden the material. After the material is hardened, Dr Stan will further trim and shape it, and polish it to match the sheen of the rest of the tooth surface.
• Time-to-completion. Dental bonding takes about 30 to 60 minutes per tooth to complete.

Because of some of the limitations of dental bonding, it is best suited for small cosmetic changes, for temporary correction of cosmetic defects, and for correction of teeth in areas of very low bite pressure (for example, front teeth). Consult with Dr Stan about the best cosmetic approach for your particular problem.