LVI-Trained Dentist Serving Oakton, Vienna, McLean and Nearby Northern Virginia
Dental bonding is a quick and easy procedure to improve minor aesthetic flaws. Known for its versatility, this cosmetic dental service is perfect for those looking to address chipped, discolored, gapped, or otherwise imperfect teeth. Tooth bonding in Oakton can help give you the confidence to flash your smile!
Dr. Michael Chung is an LVI-trained dentist who has the skill and experience needed to transform your smile with dental bonding. Call our office at 703-319-6990 to arrange a consultation. Softouch Dental Care proudly serves patients from Oakton, Vienna, McLean, and nearby areas of Northern Virginia.
What is Dental Bonding?
Tooth bonding is the process of applying, shaping, and hardening a composite resin on the surface of a tooth to repair it. The resin is color-matched for natural and undetectable results. It also forms a secure bond to provide lasting improvement.
Many of our patients love dental bonding because it’s cost-effective. It’s significantly less expensive than other dental procedures, such as porcelain veneers or crowns. However, cost isn't the only factor to consider when choosing a dental treatment. Our financing options can help you afford the service that makes sense for you.
What can Dental Bonding treat?
Dental bonding can treat many different types of tooth damage and defects. It works best on minor concerns and may not be the best choice for a more significant correction.
You may consider teeth bonding to address:
- Small gaps between front teeth
- Slight crookedness and misalignment
- Irregular tooth shape, size, or length
- Small chips or surface cracks
- Discoloration that won't respond to tooth whitening
- Cavities that need to be filled
Is Dental Bonding a good option for me?
Tooth bonding is a good choice for virtually anyone who wants to improve relatively minor dental problems. One dental bonding procedure can correct multiple imperfections quickly and easily.
If your teeth are too misaligned and crowded, though, you might need Invisalign® to straighten them. Porcelain veneers might be a better option for front teeth. Dr. Chung will recommend the best service based on your needs.
How is Dental Bonding done?
Dental bonding is usually completed in a single visit. Dr. Chung will begin by choosing a resin shade that matches your natural teeth. Then he will apply the composite material and mold it until it reaches the right shape and appearance.
When both you and Dr. Chung are satisfied that the defect is corrected, he will use a curing light to harden the bonding. After the resin sets, he will polish it to blend in nicely with your smile. You can then return to your daily routine with no downtime.
Does Dental Bonding Hurt?
Dental bonding is a completely painless procedure that’s simpler than other cosmetic options. It doesn’t require drilling, anesthesia, or multiple visits to our practice. Instead, bonding is a fast and non-invasive way to improve the appearance of your smile.
If you experience dental anxiety, we will be glad to give a local anesthetic and a mild sedative to help you relax. You can learn more about sedation dentistry and how we work to create a comfortable office environment.
Is Composite Bonding better than Veneers?
Composite bonding and veneers have their own benefits and considerations. One option is not universally better than the other. It’s important to weigh the factors that are most important to you.
Both tooth bonding and porcelain veneers can be used to correct the same minor defects. But there are differences in how the procedures are done, the visual results, and the longevity of the results.
Here are some things to think about:
- Treatment time: Dental bonding is applied directly to your teeth by Dr. Chung and requires only one visit. Porcelain veneers are made in a dental laboratory and require two visits to complete.
- Appearance: Bonding is white and matches your natural teeth very well but is slightly lacking in terms of shine and transparency. Porcelain is partially translucent like tooth enamel. Porcelain and natural teeth both absorb and reflect light in similar ways, and therefore look remarkably similar.
- Staining: Dental bonding will gradually discolor like your natural teeth. Pigments in food and drink, like coffee, cola drinks, and blackberries, will stain and yellow it. Porcelain is stain-resistant. It’s virtually unaffected by pigmented substances.
- Cost: Dental bonding costs significantly less than porcelain veneers. Remember that financing options are available at our practice.
Taking Care of Bonded Teeth
Teeth that have been treated with bonding resin require the same care you give the rest of your teeth. Maintain a good oral hygiene routine complete with regular brushing and flossing. Avoid potentially harmful habits such as chewing on ice and pen caps. And visit our office for regular appointments so that we can monitor your oral health and the condition of your bonding.
Schedule Your Dental Bonding Consultation in Oakton
If you are interested in dental bonding or another cosmetic service, call 703-319-6990 today to schedule a smile consultation. Softouch Dental Care welcomes patients from Oakton, Vienna, McLean, and nearby areas of Northern Virginia.
