Tooth Bonding

By Houston Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Craig Mabrito

Tooth bonding is a cosmetic dentistry procedure that is commonly used to repair chips and cracks, close tooth gaps, brighten discolored teeth, and replace silver fillings by bonding a cosmetic resin to the tooth that matches the color, translucency, and texture of your teeth. Tooth bonding is generally used to make minor corrections to one or two teeth. If you have structural problems with a tooth or need major corrections to multiple teeth, Dr. Mabrito may recommend porcelain veneers or another appropriate procedure.

Tooth bonding requires expertise on the part of the dentist to be able to match color, translucency, and texture of the composite resin used to make corrections to your natural tooth. Although general dentists may be able to perform the tooth bonding procedure, it is highly recommended that you use a cosmetic dentist, such as Dr. Mabrito, who has special interests in such procedures.

Before the Tooth Bonding Procedure

Prior to your tooth bonding procedure, Dr. Mabrito will talk with you about the changes that you would like to see in your smile, and will discuss the different options available to you to repair imperfections and enhance your smile.

During this initial visit, Dr. Mabrito will also examine your teeth and gums to make sure that tooth bonding will be the best method to make the changes you desire. Take this opportunity to ask any questions that you have about the tooth bonding procedure.

The Tooth Bonding Procedure

The first step of the tooth bonding procedure is for Dr. Mabrito to select a palate of composite resins that matches the color, translucency, and texture of your natural teeth. The composite material is made of acrylic resins that have been impregnated with inorganic fillers such as quartz, glass, or silicon dioxide.

When the best composite resins have been selected, Dr. Mabrito will then treat the tooth surface so that the resin will adhere properly. The composite resin is then applied to the tooth where it is shaped and molded to repair imperfections. Multiple layers of the composite resin may be required to achieve the look you desire. Once the resin is in place, it is hardened using a high intensity light; then the tooth is buffed and polished so that it has the same appearance as your surrounding teeth.

The tooth bonding procedure is usually performed in only one visit, though depending on the work you are having done, Dr. Mabrito may require you to come back for additional visits.

To discuss what options are available to repair imperfections to your teeth, or to schedule an appointment, call Dr. Mabrito’s office at 713-528-0567, or fill out our contact form.