Composite Dental Bonding in Paoli, PA
Today, we have more options than ever for correcting cosmetic dental flaws. If you're unhappy with uneven gaps between your teeth or have size or shape issues, you don't necessarily need to spend lots of money on high-end cosmetic dental treatments.
At M Shah DMD & Associates, we offer conservative, affordable treatment options like dental bonding to help everyone enjoy a confident smile, regardless of their budget.
Cosmetic Bonding—An Affordable Cosmetic Treatment
Composite bonding is an excellent way to repair chipped, discolored, or crooked teeth. It's faster, less invasive, and often less costly than other treatments, and we can usually restore several teeth in just one appointment. Best of all, depending on your needs, it may not be necessary to numb the tooth!
What Cosmetic Issues Does Dental Bonding Correct?
At our Paoli, PA, dental office, we often use dental bonding in the following ways:
- Close wide or uneven gaps between teeth
- Fill in small chips and fractures in tooth enamel
- Improve a tooth's shape or size
- Cover a discolored or badly stained tooth
- Create a set of direct dental veneers
The bonding material is the same we use for natural-looking tooth fillings. It looks natural because it has a translucent sheen similar to tooth enamel, thanks to additives like powdered glass quartz and other ceramic materials. Because we color-match the composite material to your tooth color, we can create a discreet repair no one will ever notice.
Aside from cosmetic purposes, we can also use bonding to cover exposed tooth root surfaces caused by gum recession.
Composite Bonding vs. Veneers
Porcelain veneers are created by an outside dental lab, so they are also referred to as indirect. Your dentist creates composite veneers on the tooth's surface, so we call them direct veneers. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.
Pros and Cons of Dental Bonding
Pros
- Great for minor cosmetic laws — Tooth bonding may be the better choice if you want to correct minor flaws like those listed above. We typically recommend porcelain veneers for more serious cosmetic smile issues, such as restoring the appearance of misaligned teeth.
- Preserves more tooth structure — With bonding, little to no tooth alteration is required before treatment. We need to remove a thin layer of tooth enamel with porcelain veneers so they adhere properly. This means we can remove the bonded material at any time without damaging the tooth, which isn't the case with porcelain veneers.
Cons
- Prone to chipping and staining — Bonding is more prone to chipping than veneers and stains more easily.
- Shorter lifespan — Longevity is also a concern, as bonding can last 5–7 years with excellent care, while veneers can last ten years or longer.
At M Shah DMD & Associates, we want you to be thrilled with whichever treatment option you choose. Our cosmetic dentists will spend all the time needed to understand your expectations, help you weigh the pros and cons of each, and choose the most appropriate treatment for your needs.
How Does Dental Bonding Work?
Bonding requires skill, an eye for artistry, and attention to detail. First, we lightly etch the surface of the teeth to create a secure bond, then customize the shade of the material to match the surrounding tooth color.
Next, we add the custom-shaded composite to the tooth one layer at a time. Since the material starts in a moldable consistency, we shape it to match your tooth's contours to create the desired effect. Each layer is hardened with a curing light before moving on to the next.
When we have achieved the perfect look for your smile, we polish the material to a beautiful sheen, so it blends seamlessly with your smile.
A Beautiful Smile Is Closer than You Think
Have you always believed a smile makeover was beyond your reach? If so, you'll be pleasantly surprised to learn how a simple process like bonding can produce the beautiful smile you've always wanted.
Please call our Paoli, PA, dental office to schedule an appointment to learn how composite dental bonding can benefit you. We are also pleased to serve patients from all surrounding communities in Chester County, including Malvern, Berwyn, Wayne, Frazer, Whitehorse Farms, and Devault.
