One of the most common types of tooth repair procedures is dental bonding or aesthetic fillings, which fix tiny chips, small tooth deformities or defects, misaligned edges, minimal wear, or a tooth abrasion. They generally don’t change tooth color and are designed to be easy, natural-looking fixes that blend in with the rest of your teeth. Unlike veneers, dental bonding does not require the significant reduction of tooth enamel, and it is a completely reversible procedure. Touchups are recommended every three to 10 years or so. Dental bonding is one of our specialties at Castellanos Dentistry.
The first step in any dental bonding / aesthetic filling procedure is the consultation. Dr. Castellanos will see you in our offices and discuss your dental health goals. If you decide that this is the right procedure for you, the next steps are dental examinations and x-rays, and the selection of the tooth shade. We will do everything we can to ensure that your new bond / filling matches your other teeth naturally. Once these steps are complete, the surface of your tooth is polished, and a conditioning fluid is applied. Next, the putty-like resin material is applied, shaped, and smoothed to match the rest of the tooth.
Finally, the material is hardened with a specialized curing light, which bonds the material to the surface of your tooth, and then the new unit is polished. This entire procedure takes about an hour, or in some cases less time, and is generally a pain-free experience. Some patients might experience a period of sensitivity afterwards, but it is usually resolved by over-the-counter pain relievers. Afterwards, we recommend a regular dental health routine of brushing twice daily and flossing every day, along with regular dental checks and cleanings. To learn more and figure out of dental bonding / aesthetic fillings are right for you, please consult with our office.
