Dental BondingHouston, TX

Frequently Asked Questions About Restorative Bonding

Can dental cosmetic bonding fix my child’s chipped tooth?

Yes, it can. As a cosmetic dentist, we can restore your child's chipped tooth by applying resin to the tooth and shaping it until it looks like a natural one. David Tang, DDS will match the shade of the resin with your child's surrounding teeth, so it blends in. This way, it will be difficult to notice that your child ever damaged his or her tooth in the first place. However, since a child's teeth are still growing, the child may need to revisit our office in the future.

Will a tooth bonding procedure be uncomfortable?

Not at all. This is a non-invasive procedure and one of the most comfortable restorations your child can have. In order to complete the restoration or to make cosmetic improvements, all we need to do is roughen the tooth slightly and apply a conditioning liquid. Next, we will apply the resin material that has been shaded to match your child's teeth. It will be shaped perfectly before being hardened in place. Since your tooth structure remains intact, the procedure will be completely comfortable. In fact, most patients do not need any anesthesia or pain medication at all.

Can restorative bonding be used to fill gaps in between my child’s teeth?

Yes, it can. When you visit our Houston dental office, we can close small gaps in between your child's teeth, using this simple procedure. This is an alternative to placing crowns, as well as having to undergo an orthodontic procedure. Since cosmetic bonding can typically be completed in one dental visit, it is the fastest way to complete this transformation.

Can bonding reshape my child’s teeth?

Yes, the bonding process is an excellent way to reshape your child's teeth. We can use it to lengthen teeth or change the width. By doing so, we can eliminate the inconsistencies between your child's teeth, creating a more uniform appearance. The process only takes 30 to 60 minutes per tooth; so reshaping is much easier and faster than you may have thought.

Will cosmetic bonding help if my child’s teeth are stained?

Yes, if your child's teeth are stained, we can use bonding to cover them. We suggest trying a whitening procedure first, since this can improve the appearance of your child's smile with relative ease. However, there are times when a whitening procedure is not enough to remove some of the deep or more significant stains. In the case where a whitening procedure is ineffective, restorative bonding can be particularly useful. By placing the resin material on top of your child's stained tooth or teeth, we can improve their appearance. When you visit our Texas dental office, we can discuss the available options with you and complete the procedure in as little as one visit.

Is a tooth bonding procedure reversible?

Yes, since bonding is applied without removing the enamel on your teeth, the process is reversible. This means that if your child wants to restore their teeth or change their appearance with an alternative procedure in the future, it is possible. While most of our patients are entirely satisfied with the appearance of their teeth after the bonding procedure, some use this as a temporary solution while considering how they want to improve their smile in the long-term.

Is dental bonding affordable?

If budget is a concern, dental bonding is an affordable and viable option. Since bonding material is placed on the tooth and hardened in our office, there is no need for participation from the dental lab. This makes the process more cost-effective than other comparable procedures, such as dental veneers or crowns. If you are weighing your options between the three, let us know. We can give you a breakdown of what each procedure will cost. For more information, call 281-822-6600 and schedule a consultation.

How long will it last?

A Restorative bonding procedure is durable, natural-looking, and effective. There is no set timeframe for how long the resin will last. It could last for several years or several decades. Having your child take care of his or her teeth will help to increase its longevity. Be sure to have your child brush with a soft or electronic toothbrush, so as not to risk eroding his or her teeth and the restoration. Your child should also avoid eating food that is too acidic and engaging in any activities that could damage his or her teeth. While the bonding material is strong and durable, it is not as strong as a dental crown would be. If you are looking for a longer lasting restoration of your child's teeth, you may want to consider a dental crown or other options as well.