Dental Bonding in Los Altos, CA
Tooth bonding, or dental bonding, is a simple treatment that addresses minimal cosmetic dentistry concerns. To give our patients the most natural-looking, durable result, we use a composite resin material that we mold and color-match to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth. As a health-centered dentistry practice, we aim to restore beauty and function to your smile.
Dental bonding can give your smile subtle yet very noticeable enhancements. This cosmetic treatment can change the shape, color, and position of your teeth to improve the appearance of your natural smile.
If you are looking for a solution to address any of these imperfections, dental bonding can:
- Fix minor gaps or spaces between the teeth
- Address stained or discolored teeth
- Fix the appearance of chipped or cracked teeth
- Restore misshapen teeth
In some cases, bonding can also treat complex dental issues like extensive fractures and tooth decay. Dr. Schweifler will examine your smile and determine if dental bonding is the right solution for your smile.
Dental bonding often requires little to no tooth preparation, making it one of the most conservative methods for improving the esthetic of your smile. We can complete it during one visit to our Los Altos dentist office.
Your experience is important to Dr. Schweifler and our dental care team, so from the moment you walk through our doors, we work with you to ensure you are safe, comfortable, and fully informed on all aspects of your care. Dental bonding is a simple in-office treatment typically performed without an anesthetic.
We perform the bonding process as conservatively as possible; most natural tooth structure remains intact and undisturbed. However, every case is different; Dr. Schweifler makes personalized recommendations and creates treatment plans with your best interest in mind.
What To Expect During The Dental Bonding Process
We carefully clean the affected tooth and prepare it for bonding. We apply a solution to the tooth to create an appropriate bonding surface for the composite resin. After the tooth is prepared, we generously apply the tooth-colored resin to the tooth, which we shape and mold until the desired aesthetic is reached.
Once a natural-looking result is achieved, the tooth-colored resin is hardened into place using a special dental light. The bonded tooth is smoothed and polished to reveal a natural luster.
You can enjoy your new smile immediately after your appointment. To maintain your results, it is imperative that you practice the best dentistry practices and avoid harmful habits that may damage your teeth. Although composite resin is a durable, natural-looking material, it is not as strong as your enamel, so habits like nail biting can damage your bonded tooth.
Why Choose Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding is one of the most accessible dental restoration options. It’s one of the few treatment options that’s completely reversible. We can remove your dental bonding if you don’t want it. This makes it something even a child can treat a chipped or broken tooth. It’s still a durable form of treatment, too. While it isn’t permanent, it lasts for years, especially if you take good care of it.
Dental bonding is one of the most affordable options as well. Because it’s a temporary, simple solution, it doesn’t cost as much. Porcelain veneers and other restorations need to be crafted in a special laboratory. We can complete dental bonding in one simple visit to our dentist office. We don’t need to prepare the tooth extensively, either. The dental bonding process is quick and painless.
Dental Bonding FAQs
Dental bonding is an economical fix for many oral health concerns. Read the answers to these commonly asked questions to learn more.
Is dental bonding better than dental veneers?
The real question is which is better for your unique situation. Dental bonding and veneers can be used mostly for the same purposes but vary in price and longevity. Dental bonding is a temporary fix for your issues while you decide on a permanent restoration. However, dental veneers are a permanent fix to most cosmetic dental issues. We will help you determine which is best for you during your dental exam.
Can I use dental bonding to fix a crooked smile?
Yes, to a certain extent. Adult patients can use dental bonding instead of braces to cosmetically fix a single crooked tooth or two. Teens are better off getting orthodontic services like Invisalign to correct their crooked teeth. It all depends on the results you are looking for and if your issue is cosmetic or restorative.
Is tooth bonding permanent?
No, while bonding is an excellent solution for various cosmetic dental issues, this solution is not permanent. However, with proper care, your bonded tooth can last many years. If you opt for a more permanent solution in the future, Dr. Schweifler can work with you and explore your options during a visit to our Los Altos, CA dental office.
Can I whiten my bonded tooth?
No, the bonding material doesn’t respond to traditional whitening techniques. Only natural tooth matter is susceptible to professional whitening. If your bonding material is discolored, we remove it and replace it with bonding material that we color-match to the proper shade of white.
How long do I wait to eat and drink after tooth bonding?
That’s all it needs when we cure the bonding material in the office. You can eat and drink right after we complete the procedure. If we gave you a local anesthetic, wait until it wears off before you eat. You don’t want to accidentally bite into the soft tissue. We also recommend avoiding biting down on anything hard or sticky with the bonded part of the tooth.
Am I a good candidate for dental bonding?
One of the best things about dental bonding is that almost everyone is eligible. It’s one of the most affordable dental treatments most people can afford. Since it’s temporary, even children can get treatment with dental bonding. The only thing that might make you ineligible is your oral health. You have to be in decent oral health before we can perform a bonding procedure.