Dental Bonding, Shaping & Contouring in Mission Valley and San Diego, CA

Affordable, Non-Invasive Restoration

Bonding, Shaping, & Contouring

Dental bonding uses a special type of resin to reshape and restore your teeth if they are chipped, stained, misshapen, or otherwise cosmetically flawed. This treatment is non-invasive, affordable, and can typically be completed in just one appointment. If you’re interested in improving your smile, call our Mission Valley dentist today to learn more about the benefits of bonding!

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Studies show that 25% of American adults are dissatisfied with the appearance of their smiles.

Dental bonding can last between 5-10 years with proper care.

Treatment is non-invasive and painless, making it a great option for patients looking to avoid cosmetic surgery.

The bonding process only takes 30-60 minutes per tooth.

Bonding is an affordable option for patients on a budget

Studies show that 25% of American adults are dissatisfied with the appearance of their smiles.

Dental bonding can last between 5-10 years with proper care.

Treatment is non-invasive and painless, making it a great option for patients looking to avoid cosmetic surgery.

The bonding process only takes 30-60 minutes per tooth.

Bonding is an affordable option for patients on a budget

How Does it Work?

What is dental Bonding?

Dental bonding is a cosmetic procedure that uses dental resin to restore or improve the shape and color of your teeth. Whether you have a chipped tooth, severe stains, or small gaps in your smile, bonding is a great option to enhance the appearance of your teeth.
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The process is non-invasive and begins with one of our dentists applying a special solution to your teeth to ensure a strong hold for the resin. Next, one of our dentists in Mission Valley will choose a resin that matches the color of your surrounding teeth, and apply it directly to your tooth. The resin is then molded and sculpted into the proper shape. Once this process is complete, a UV light will be used to harden the resin. The result is a tooth that looks and feels completely natural, and will last for years to come. Bonding usually takes only 30-60 minutes per tooth, so many patients opt to have multiple teeth bonded in a single appointment.

Creating a Seamless Smile

What Is Shaping & Contouring?

Shaping & contouring refers to the process of trimming the teeth that are adjacent to your bonded tooth, and removing a very small amount of enamel to improve the cosmetic appearance of your overall smile. During the process, only a small amount of enamel is removed, and is usually only necessary if the surrounding teeth are somewhat crooked or need to be evened out to ensure optimal cosmetic results.

Can Dental Bonding Fix Gaps in Teeth?

Yes, dental bonding can fix large gaps between teeth (diastema) that ruin your smile. The dentist will measure the size of the gap and get the location of the tooth gap to determine whether bonding is an appropriate treatment for your situation.

Once you get the green light, our Mission Valley cosmetic dentist will prepare the teeth by etching the teeth adjacent to the tooth gap using a special etching acid. Etching increases the surface area of the adhesion of the bonding material to the teeth. After preparation, the dentist will compare your teeth’s color to a color shade to pick a bonding material that matches the color of your teeth. They’ll then carefully apply the bonding material on the teeth on either side of the gap in layers.

After applying the bonding material, the dentist shapes and models the bonding to make the teeth aesthetically pleasing. The dentist then uses a special light to harden the bonding material before polishing it and releasing you to go home.

How Can I Care for My Bonded Teeth?

Proper care is imperative to the longevity of your bonded teeth. The best way to care for your bonded teeth is by brushing them twice daily for at least two minutes and flossing them daily. You should also refrain from chewing and biting into hard foods and objects like pencils, bottle caps, and the likes. Some foods to avoid include raw carrots, apples, and ice cubes.

It’s also important to schedule regular dental visits to check the progress of your dental bonding. Dentists may sometimes recommend touch-ups in case of stinging or premature failure. They’ll also recommend professional cleaning to clear any plaque or tartar that may accumulate on the dental bonding.

You’ll also want to limit alcohol consumption since alcohol dissolves the bonding material, leading to bonding failure. The same goes for a mouthwash containing alcohol. You’ll want to use non-alcoholic mouthwash instead.

What Is Dental Bonding Made Of?

Dental bonding is made of a tooth-colored composite resin that consists of an organic polymer matrix, silane coupling agents, inorganic fillers, accelerators, and various pigments. The combination of these materials creates a malleable substance that closely resembles the color of your teeth. Dentists can also mold these materials to match your tooth’s shape before hardening it for dental bonding.

Dentists typically have different shades of the composite reason material to ensure it matches the color of your teeth. The dentist will mold, shape, and polish it to ensure it matches the natural contours of your teeth. The result is bonded teeth that match seamlessly with the rest of the teeth.

Composite resin is ideal for dental bonding because it matches the tooth’s natural color. It’s also a versatile material that dentists also use for dental fillings and reshaping misshapen teeth. The material is also pliable making application to patients’ teeth a breeze.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does Dental Bonding Last?

Dental bonding is a popular and effective cosmetic dental procedure that can significantly enhance the appearance of your teeth. One of the most common questions we encounter at Rio Vista Family Dentistry, located conveniently for those seeking dental bonding in Mission Valley, is about the longevity of this treatment.

Typically, dental bonding lasts anywhere from 3 to 10 years. The lifespan of your dental bonding largely depends on several factors, including your oral hygiene habits, dietary choices, and lifestyle. For instance, if you are diligent about brushing and flossing daily and visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings, your dental bonding is likely to last longer.

Additionally, avoiding habits such as biting your nails, chewing on hard objects, or using your teeth as tools can also help extend the life of your bonded teeth. While dental bonding is not as durable as other restorative options like veneers or crowns, it is a cost-effective and less invasive solution for minor cosmetic improvements.

How Much Does Dental Bonding Cost?

Cost is a crucial consideration for many patients seeking dental treatments. At Rio Vista Family Dentistry, we strive to provide affordable and transparent pricing for all our services, including dental bonding for patients in and around Mission Valley.

The cost of dental bonding can vary based on several factors, such as the extent of the procedure, the number of teeth being treated, and the complexity of the case. On average, dental bonding ranges from $300 to $600 per tooth. It's important to note that dental bonding is often considered a cosmetic procedure, which means it may not be covered by dental insurance.

However, we recommend checking with your insurance provider to see if any part of the procedure might be covered. Our team is committed to helping you understand your options and will work with you to ensure that you receive the best possible care within your budget. We also offer flexible payment plans to make dental bonding accessible to all our patients.

Can You Whiten Bonded Teeth?

Another frequent question we receive is whether bonded teeth can be whitened. Dental bonding involves the application of a tooth-colored resin material that is carefully matched to the natural shade of your teeth.

While this allows for a seamless and natural-looking result, it also means that bonded teeth do not respond to traditional teeth whitening treatments in the same way as natural teeth. Whitening products are designed to lighten the enamel of natural teeth and do not have the same effect on the resin material used in bonding.

If you are considering whitening your smile and have bonded teeth, it's important to discuss this with your dentist. They may recommend whitening your natural teeth before the bonding procedure to ensure a uniform color match. Alternatively, if you already have bonded teeth and wish to whiten your smile, your dentist might suggest replacing the current bonding material with a lighter shade to achieve the desired result.

Is Dental Bonding Permanent?

Just like every other cosmetic treatment, dental bonding will not last forever. However, it is a long-lasting and effective cosmetic treatment for improving the appearance of your teeth. As mentioned earlier, dental bonding can last anywhere from 3 to 10 years. The exact lifespan of your treatment depends on various factors such as oral hygiene, your lifestyle, diet, and personal habits, and the location of the bonding in your mouth.

While the material used in dental bonding is durable, it is not as strong as natural tooth enamel and can be susceptible to chipping or staining over time. However, one of the advantages of dental bonding is that it is relatively easy to repair or replace if needed.

If you notice any changes in your bonded teeth, such as discoloration or damage, it's important to schedule an appointment with your dentist. At Rio Vista Family Dentistry, our experienced team, including Dr. Joy Bonifacio Lockwood, Dr. Raquel Reyes, and Dr. Patricia Campillo, is dedicated to providing high-quality dental care and ensuring that your smile remains beautiful and healthy.