Dental Bonding in Ontario, CA

Research shows that smiling significantly affects our social interactions more than any other physical trait and has been linked to perceptions of kindness, trustworthiness, and intelligence. Unsurprisingly, perceived imperfections in our teeth can really weigh on us. So what can you do if you are displeased with your smile? At Esparza Dentistry, we offer several cosmetic and restorative treatments, but one of the most versatile and affordable solutions for smile enhancement is dental bonding.

If you have a gap in your smile, a chipped or aesthetic tooth, or another aesthetic concern, dental bonding can help.

What Is Dental Bonding?

Dental bonding is a common procedure in many dentist offices today and can be used for various purposes. During the procedure, we apply a tooth-colored composite resin to change the size, shape, or color of your teeth. In some cases, this same material is used to fill cavities as an alternative to noticeable silver fillings.

You may benefit from dental bonding if you’d like to address any of the following concerns:

• Chipped or cracked teeth
• Discoloration
• Gaps between your teeth (diastema)
• Small or short teeth

Dental bonding is an excellent and affordable option for many patients looking to adjust and enhance their smile.

The Dental Bonding Procedure

At your free consultation, we will discuss the concerns you have about your smile and determine if dental bonding is the best treatment option for you. A routine exam of your gums and teeth will help us evaluate the extent of damage to your smile so that we can plan a suitable treatment course. Sometimes, patients want a more drastic cosmetic transformation or need a restorative solution instead of a cosmetic one; if that’s the case, we can review other treatments with you. We’ll also discuss your medical history, medications, and oral hygiene habits.

Before we apply the bonding material, we’ll need to match the color of the composite resin to your teeth using a shade guide. To prepare the tooth, we will clean and roughen it. We’ll also apply a conditioning liquid. These measures help the putty-like resin adhere to the tooth. Once the tooth is ready, we’ll apply and sculpt the resin to address your specific concerns. The resin is then hardened using ultraviolet light. We’ll finish the procedure by polishing the tooth. You can expect your appointment to take between 30 and 60 minutes, although additional time is required if more than one tooth needs treatment.

Dental Bonding Benefits

Dental bonding has many benefits, which include:

• Natural appearance: Because we match the composite resin to the natural shade of your teeth, you can expect the bonding material to blend in seamlessly.
• Affordable solution: Bonding is an accessible cosmetic solution for many of our patients because of the procedure’s affordability. In fact, dental bonding is one of the most inexpensive aesthetic treatments offered in dental offices. However, we offer flexible options for financing your dental care if you need financial assistance. We will gladly discuss all financing options at your free consultation.
• Immediate result: If you want an in-and-out single-visit treatment, dental bonding is a great option. The procedure is quick and painless, requiring no anesthesia. As a result, no healing period is needed, so you can get back to your daily activities as soon as your appointment is over.

Aftercare: Protect Your Beautiful Smile

Dental bonding is a low-maintenance treatment, but because it can stain, you should avoid dark-colored foods and drinks for 48 hours after your procedure. Reducing your overall intake of staining foods and beverages like berries, fruit juices, red wine, dark sodas, tea, and coffee can maintain the radiance of your smile. Smoking is also a tooth-staining culprit that can cause significant oral health issues.

Because the bonding material is not as strong as your natural teeth, it can chip more easily. You should take care to avoid biting your nails, chewing on pens, opening packaging with your teeth, and chewing ice or other hard foods and candies.

You should also continue good oral hygiene habits to maintain the health of your teeth. Be sure to brush twice daily with a soft-bristle brush and fluoride toothpaste. Avoid whitening toothpaste, which can be too abrasive. You should also use mouthwash and floss daily to remove plaque and food debris lodged between your teeth. To further protect your teeth from damage, wear a mouth guard when playing sports and a night guard if you grind your teeth while sleeping.

Scheduling regular six-month checkups and cleanings at Esparza Dentistry will also help keep your smile radiant.

With proper care and hygiene practices, dental bonding can last for 3 to 10 years. After this time, we may need to repair or replace the resin.

Dental Bonding vs. Veneers vs. Crowns

Dental bonding provides a budget-friendly, low-risk, and time-efficient solution to minor teeth imperfections. If you prefer a more dramatic enhancement to your smile, you may be interested in dental veneers. Veneers are durable shells that are bonded to the surface of your teeth. They are typically applied in pairs, usually to the top 4-8 visible teeth.

Because we take impressions of your teeth so that a custom-made restoration can be fabricated, getting veneers takes two appointments. Placing veneers is also more invasive, requiring us to remove some enamel from your teeth before the veneers can be cemented. As a result, veneers cannot be reversed the way bonding can.

Compared to dental bonding, veneers are more costly, but they are also more durable. Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant and less susceptible to chipping.

Crowns are caps that cover the entire surface of the tooth to protect and preserve it. While crowns can improve the tooth’s appearance, their primary purpose is to restore the function of the tooth. We recommend crowns for patients with weak, fractured, or decayed teeth. Before we place a crown, we need to shape the tooth by removing enamel. As a result, crowns—like veneers—are not reversible.

Determining which treatment is best for you begins at your free consultation.

Beautify Your Smile at Esparza Dentistry

Begin the journey towards a beautiful new smile by scheduling a free consultation at Esparza Dentistry. We’ll help you smile proudly by concealing imperfections with dental bonding. Whether you want to camouflage chips or cracks, fill gaps in your teeth, combat discoloration, or change the shape of your teeth, dental bonding can help.

With over 100 five-star reviews and award-winning dentists, we have a reputation for excellence. At Esparza Dentistry, you can expect high-quality, professional dental care in a compassionate, family-friendly environment.