Direct Bonding

Direct Bonding: The Fastest Way to Improve Your Smile

Do you have one or multiple discolored teeth? Or do you have teeth that are uneven, have gaps between them, or are misshapen? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, a cosmetic dental procedure called direct bonding could improve your smile in just one visit to McDonogh Dental.

What Is Direct Bonding?

Direct bonding, also called dental bonding, is a simple procedure that involves using a plastic called “ composite resin” to fix imperfections in teeth. Direct bonding is completed in one visit and often is a relatively quick procedure. Direct bonding often is used to:

Change tooth color
Fill spaces between teeth
Lengthen teeth
Alter the shape of teeth
Restore chipped or cracked teeth

What’s Involved in the Direct Bonding Procedure?

Direct bonding is not an invasive procedure. In fact, it is one of the fastest and most painless ways to improve your smile. It typically takes less than one hour per tooth to correct most issues through direct bonding. To prevent any discomfort, the dentist will numb the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic. Then the dentist will etch the tooth’s surface to ensure that the bonding resin can stick to the surface. The resin is a putty-like material that the dentist will apply and shape in small increments to the tooth and then harden with a blue light. Finally, the dentist will polish the direct bonding to make sure it matches the other teeth. When completed, direct bonding looks very natural. Dentists can color the resin to perfectly match the natural tooth color or any color preferred.

How Long Does Direct Bonding Last?

Cosmetic direct bonding can last more than 10 years. However, its longevity depends on how well the teeth are cared for. Bonding can crack under pressure or stress. Also, direct bonding is vulnerable to staining. Good oral hygiene practices help prevent staining, but we recommend that patients who undergo direct bonding avoid red wine, tea, and coffee. Your dentist will evaluate your bonded teeth during regular checkups to let you know when it’s time for a refresh.

When Should You Consider Direct Bonding?

Direct bonding is one of the fastest and most affordable ways to improve your smile. Direct bonding is an excellent dentistry option if:

You’re interested in improving the look of one or a few of your teeth
The teeth you want to be bonded with don’t do heavy chewing or experience heavy stress from your opposing teeth.
The teeth do not have existing large or multiple fillings
You’re committed to outstanding oral hygiene to prevent staining

Improve Your Smile With McDonogh Dental

McDonogh Dental of Owings Mills, MD, is a full-service restorative, cosmetic, and family dentistry practice. Our highly skilled dentists and hygienists are committed to using the most up-to-date procedures and equipment to ensure that your teeth stay healthy and looking great. Whether you’re interested in an improved smile or you’re suffering from dental pain, make an appointment with McDonogh Dental at 410-363-2500.

Cosmetic Dentistry

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