Dental Bonding Specialist

Lansdowne Family & Cosmetic Dentistry -  - General Dentist

Lansdowne Family & Cosmetic Dentistry

General Dentists & Cosmetic Dentists located in Lansdowne, VA

If your smile is less than perfect, dental bonding at Lansdowne Family & Cosmetic Dentistry could help. A faster, lower-cost option than veneers, dental bonding is a procedure Dr. Paul Ellington can complete in a single visit for an overnight improvement in your appearance. To learn more about cosmetic bonding and how it could help you achieve the smile of your dreams, call our Lansdowne, Virginia, practice or use our online system to request an appointment today.

Dental Bonding Q & A

What is dental bonding?

Dental bonding is durable, tooth-colored material that Dr. Ellington applies to the front surface of your tooth to hide and correct cosmetic defects or to make small repairs. He can complete bonding in a single visit, making it a popular option for many patients who want to see a fast improvement in the way their smile looks.

When is dental bonding used?

Dental bonding addresses many of the same issues as porcelain veneers, including:

  • Deep discolorations and stains that can’t be treated with bleaching
  • Small chips in the tooth edge or surface
  • Uneven or worn tooth edges
  • Gaps or spaces between teeth
  • Teeth that look crooked

Bonding is often used as part of a complete smile makeover to restore the look of your smile.

How is dental bonding applied?

Dr. Ellington applies the bonding directly to the surface of your tooth. The bonding material goes on in layers, with Dr. Ellington carefully applying and shaping each layer. Finally, he hardens or cures the bonding material with a special light.

How long does bonding last?

With proper care, cosmetic bonding can last for about a decade before you have to have it replaced. All you need to do is brush, floss, and have regular checkups.

How does dental bonding compare to porcelain veneers?

Because it corrects many of the same issues as veneers, bonding can be a budget-friendly alternative, costing less than veneers but usually not lasting as long as veneers, which are made of durable porcelain. Dr. Ellington can also complete bonding in one visit, while veneers take two visits. And finally, bonding doesn’t require removal of tooth material, which means it’s completely reversible.

Veneers may cost more, but they also last longer, and many people feel the porcelain material looks more natural.

How should I care for my bonded teeth?

Bonding is durable, so you can care for bonded teeth by brushing, flossing, and making routine trips to the dentist — the same way you care for the rest of your teeth. You should avoid biting or chewing on hard substances like hard candy and ice to prevent chipping the bonding material as well as your underlying tooth.

Can bonded teeth be whitened?

No, dental bonding cannot be whitened, so if it becomes stained or discolored, you must have it replaced. Often, patients have bonding applied after professional teeth whitening to ensure the bonding material matches teeth when they look their best.