Tooth Bonding in Arlington, TX

Tooth bonding uses a tooth-colored resin to improve your smile. It is then hardened and sealed with a special light to complete the process so that your tooth is restored. Reasons to have a bonding include:

• Broken, chipped or cracked teeth
• Discolored teeth
• Improper spacing
• Reshaping a tooth
• Decayed teeth
• Root protection when gums have receded

Procedure

For most of these procedures, no anesthesia is required but is still offered for your convenience. Dr. French will use a dental shading guide to determine the correct coloring to use based on your natural tooth color. The surface of your tooth is then roughed up, and a conditioner is applied so the bond material will stay in place. The resin that is colored for your tooth is much like putty and is applied to the area, then shaped and smoothed. A laser or ultraviolet light is then used to make the material harden in place. Dr. French or one of his Assistants will then shape and trim the area, and then polish it to a surface matching your natural tooth. The procedure can take anywhere from a half hour to an hour per tooth for completion.

Care

There is no special care required for a bonded surface. Brushing, flossing and regular checkups are all that is needed. The average lifespan of a bond is ten years before a replacement is needed. It is recommended that you avoid biting on fingernails and chewing on ink pens.

Pros and Cons

Tooth bonding is one of the least expensive options available to retain a beautiful and healthy smile. The least amount of enamel required is removed during this process, and most cases can be completed in one visit unless there are numerous teeth affected. The coloring of the bond may not stay true over time, as it can stain like natural teeth. Depending on the material used, it is not as strong as other methods such as veneers or crowns. However, for teeth in a low bite pressure area, it can be a very affordable tooth correction.