What is it?
Dental bonding, also known as composite bonding, is a quick and convenient treatment for minor tooth repairs. It’s commonly used to treat chips, spots, and/or small gaps between your teeth. On occasion, it can be used for larger repairs.
Bonding is done freehand, and therefore, it requires extreme artistic ability. Dr. Arnold has the advanced cosmetic skills that enable him to achieve gorgeous, natural-looking results.
How does it work?
The composite material is about the same consistency of clay, which enables Dr. Arnold to sculpt it appropriately. First, it has to be bonded to your tooth. To accomplish that, Dr. Arnold roughens your tooth surface next to the area that needs to be repaired. Next, he etches it, applies a bonding resin, and then places the composite over that. The composite will attach to your tooth and work like it’s a part of your enamel.
For larger repairs, composites of various shades, translucencies, and characteristics will be used to re-create the missing parts of your tooth. Using a special light, Dr. Arnold will harden the resin. Finally, he’ll make the finishing touches to the shape and then polish it to a high gloss that mimics your tooth enamel.
Bonding VS. Veneers.
While it’s true that porcelain veneers and dental bonding are similar, the difference lies in the material. Dental bonding is done freehand in your mouth with sculptable composites. When porcelain is used, it’s made by Dr. Arnold’s master ceramist in the laboratory and then later bonded to your tooth.
Both procedures can be used to change the shape, size, and color of your teeth. However, porcelain tends to be used when the entire area of your tooth is involved– or multiple teeth. We recommend dental bonding when only a few parts of your tooth need to be repaired. Coloring can be blended and the composite can be feathered over the remaining part of your tooth to make the repair virtually undetectable.
Another difference is that porcelain is much harder and more stain resistant than composite, so it lasts longer. It’s even more stain resistant than your natural tooth enamel! A smile makeover with composite bonding may only last about 4 years before it loses its luster and begins to stain. On the other hand, porcelain veneers will look beautiful for many years. Having said that, porcelain is a more expensive procedure.
Schedule an appointment.
Dr. Arnold is an Accredited Fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, which makes him one of the top cosmetic dentists in the country. You can rest assured that whatever work he does will look both beautiful and natural. We guarantee it.
If you’d like a smile makeover, or you just have questions– call our office to schedule an appointment. If you’d prefer, you can request an appointment online. We look forward to working with you and giving you the smile of your dreams!
Ever since he was little Dr. J. Fred Arnold wanted to be a dentist. He has lived in Kentucky all of his life, except for three years he spent serving in the Air Force (1984-1987). He and his wife Holly have raised their family here and couldn’t imagine spending life anywhere else. They love the great schools and the emphasis on arts and culture.