Dental Bonding

Dental bonding can enhance your smile if you have chipped, cracked, or damaged teeth. At Morrison Cosmetic & General Dentistry in Bethesda and Gaithersburg, Maryland, experienced cosmetic dentist Eric Morrison, DDS, and the team use dental bonding to close gaps, repair chips, and change the shape of teeth. The procedure is quick and effective and provides lasting results. Call Morrison Cosmetic & General Dentistry today to schedule a dental bonding consultation, or book your appointment online.

What types of cosmetic repairs is dental bonding used for?

The Morrison Cosmetic Dentistry team uses dental bonding for various cosmetic repairs, including to:

• Change the shape of the teeth
• Close gaps between the teeth
• Make the teeth look longer
• Cover up tooth discoloration and stains
• Conceal cracks or chips in the teeth

Sometimes, the team uses dental bonding to repair cavities and protect exposed tooth roots.

What is dental bonding?

Dental bonding is an outpatient, cosmetic dentistry procedure that uses a tooth-colored material, like composite resin or porcelain, to improve your smile’s appearance. 

During treatment, your Morrison Cosmetic Dentistry provider applies the material to one or more of your teeth, changing their shape, size, and/or color.

How do I prepare for dental bonding?

Before recommending dental bonding, your Morrison Cosmetic Dentistry provider completes an oral exam and takes a series of digital X-rays. You need healthy teeth and gums to qualify for dental bonding. If you have cavities or gum disease, the team treats those issues first. After your mouth heals, they move forward with the bonding treatment.

What does a dental bonding procedure involve?

Dental bonding is an outpatient procedure that averages 30-60 minutes.

First, your provider uses a shade guide to find a color of composite resin that matches your tooth enamel. Your provider then prepares your tooth. They remove a thin layer of tooth enamel and apply a conditioning liquid that helps the composite resin stick to your tooth.

Your Morrison Cosmetic Dentistry provider applies the resin to your damaged or decaying tooth. The resin is soft and malleable, letting your dentist create the perfect shape. After placing the resin, your provider points an ultraviolet (UV) light at the material, causing it to harden and dry.

After the bonding material dries, your dentist trims away any excess and polishes your tooth. Then, they check your bite and provide care instructions.

Are the results of dental bonding permanent?

The results of dental bonding aren’t permanent, but they usually last 5-7 years on average. To keep the bonding material in optimal condition, you must practice good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth twice daily, floss regularly, and visit Morrison Cosmetic Dentistry every six months for an oral exam and professional teeth cleaning.

Call the nearest Morrison Cosmetic Dentistry office today to schedule a dental bonding consultation, or book your visit online.