With little preparation, and without the need for an anesthetic, cosmetic bonding treatment can enhance your smile:
Cosmetic Bonding is a quick procedure with reliable results. The surface of the teeth to be treated is first slightly roughened. Tooth-colored resin is then bonded to the outer surface of the front teeth.
Ultraviolet light is used to harden the resin, which your dentist will then shape and polish, to blend in with your teeth for a confident smile.
Cosmetic bonding usually lasts several years with regular care and can be repaired or replaced as required. Call your dentist Arlington VA or fill out our contact form today to schedule an appointment. If you live in Crystal City or D.C., please still give us a call. We are only a short drive away!
Dental bonding can fix various dental flaws, mostly small chips, and cracks on the teeth. Dentists can use bonding material to fill in the cracks and chops, restoring the shape and structure of the affected teeth.
Dentists may also recommend dental bonding for addressing small to moderately-sized cavities. They’ll treat the decayed area and irrigate with an anti-bacterial solution before using composite resin to seal the cavity. This is different from dental filling, which dentists use for larger cavities.
Patients with large gaps between their teeth can also benefit immensely from dental bonding. The dentist applies bonding material on the teeth on either side of the gap. This reduces the gap and gives you a more pleasant, natural-looking smile.
Some dentists may also recommend dental bonding for hiding stained or discolored portions of the teeth. Dental bonding is a cheaper alternative to teeth whitening but is only suitable for minor stains and discoloration. To hide it, the dentist simply applies a thin layer of bonding material over the discolored area.
Whether insurance covers dental bonding depends on your specific insurance provider. Some insurers offer full or partial coverage for dental bonding, while others offer no coverage. Dental bonding is a cosmetic procedure that most health insurers don’t cover.
Some insurance providers cover dental bonding but only in specific circumstances. For instance, the insurer will cover dental bonding for chipped teeth resulting from a car accident. They, however, won’t cover dental bonding for covering stains on the teeth.
That said, the only way to know if your insurer covers dental bonding is to ask them. A quick call should do the trick.
Step 1: Initial Consultation: The consultation determines whether you’re eligible for dental bonding. The dentist will examine your teeth, checking the extent of the damage or discoloration. Dentists may recommend alternative treatments like dental fillings or veneers for deep cavities and large fractures. If you’re deemed suitable for dental bonding, you’ll proceed to the next step.
Step 2: Tooth Preparation: The dentist will apply a mild etching acid on the surface of the teeth. This acid roughens the enamel, allowing the binding material to better adhere to it. People with sensitive gums might have the dentist apply a protective gel to protect the gums from acid. The dentist will then rinse the acid off before proceeding to the next step.
Step 3: Dental Bonding Application: The bonding material consists of a putty-like composite resin that mimics the teeth’ natural color. The dentist uses an applicator to apply the composite material in layers. Once applied, they’ll mold the material into the desired shape and sculpt it until it matches the tooth’s natural contours.
Step 4: Curing and Final Touches: The dentist then uses a special blue light to cure the resin material. This process only takes a few seconds and hardens the composite resin material to securely attach to the teeth. Once hardened, the dentist will polish the bonding material to give it a natural sheen.
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Arlington, VA 22201
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