Dental Bonding

For more than 50 years dentists have been used a tooth colored filling material called composite, to bond, fill, or cosmetically enhance teeth. Bonding materials have been enhanced by composite materials (resin, glass, and fillers) which have strengthened the material.  Dental bonding mixture is applied to the tooth, the composite "bonds" to the repaired tooth.

 

Bonding is often a viable option for repairing chipped, cracked, or disfigured front teeth and replacing mercury fillings in the back teeth.  It may be a good way to change the size, shape, and position of teeth.  It is a lot less expensive and faster than orthodontic treatment or braces.  The dental bonding process is fairly simple.  First, we take enamel like material and apply it to a tooth's surface.  Then we sculpt it into shape.  Lastly, we harden it with a laser light and polish it to create an exceptional smile!

 

When cosmetically enhancing front teeth, sedation dentistry or anesthesia is usually not needed, and your new-enhanced smile can be completed in one visit.

Bonding can improve the appearance of your teeth by filling in spaces, imperfections, chips, and any irregularities.

 

Expect the dental bonding solution to last five to seven years or more depending on size and location. It is great for those smaller areas that need enhancement. For stronger and larger enhancements, we may recommend porcelain veneers as a better alternative. When you come to visit our Santa Barbara dental practice together we will decide what cosmetic dental solution works best for you.