Dental Bonding - FAQ's

Serving the Arlington, Virginia area.

What is dental bonding?

Dental bonding is a composite resin that is used for repairing broken teeth, tooth whitening, and correcting misshaped or disfigured teeth. Dental bonding is made out of a plastic composite resin and that is applied and hardened to correct or repair problems you may have with your teeth. Dental bonding can mimic your natural teeth in shine and color, and since your cosmetic dentist sculpts it, it will match the size and shape of your natural teeth.

How long does a dental bonding procedure take?

The length of a dental bonding procedure depends on the amount of bonding that you need to have done. If you are just having a small amount of work done, then the dental bonding can usually be completed in one visit. If you are having more extensive work done, then your cosmetic dentist may ask you to comeback so that you have the best final results possible.

What does dental bonding cost?

Again, the cost of a dental bonding procedure depends on the amount of work that you are hiving done on your smile. Although more dental bonding may cost more to give the smile you want, Dr. Kim does not want the cost of the procedure to stand in your way. Dr. Kim provides all of his patients with affordable financing options so that money does not determine whether or not you have the procedure.

Does dental bonding have advantages over other cosmetic dentistry repairs?

Yes. Not only can dental bonding perfectly match the rest of your teeth, but also, the plastic composite resin used acts the same way your natural tooth tissues do.

When your teeth change temperature, they swell and contract depending on if they are getting hotter or colder. Unlike other cosmetic dentistry procedures, dental bonding will swell and contract with the rest of your natural teeth. This allows your bonded teeth to feel as natural as possible.

How do I get dental bonding?

Getting dental bonding begins with scheduling an initial consultation with a cosmetic dentist in your area. Once you have discussed what results you want from dental bonding and what teeth need to be bonded with your cosmetic dentist, you will schedule a second appointment to have the procedure performed.

The dental bonding procedure is quite simple. First the cosmetic dentist will etch the surfaces of your tooth that are getting bonded. After they have matched the bonding to the color of your tooth, they will apply and sculpt the bonding so that it matches the size and shape of the rest of your teeth. A special light is then used to harden the bonding and cement it to your tooth. Lastly, the dentist will polish the bonding so that it shines just like your natural teeth.

How long will my dental bonding last?

With proper dental care and regular dental check-ups, your dental bonding will last for many years. Although dental bonding is stain resistant, dark foods, drinks, and habits like smoking or chewing tobacco can stain the dental bonding just like it can your natural teeth.

Also, clenching or grinding your teeth can wear or break the dental bonding. Lastly, using abrasive toothpastes can dull the shine of the dental bonding, by using a non-abrasive toothpaste and a soft toothbrush, your dental bonding will match the rest of your teeth for many years.

Duke H. Kim, DDS, MAGD
(703) 931-5555
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Cosmetic and Comprehensive General Dentistry
Serving Arlington, Northern Virginia and the Washington, D.C. area