Composite Bonding & Fillings

Thanks to advances in dentistry, we now have updated materials like composite resin to create realistic-looking tooth fillings and aesthetic repairs. At Oriani Cosmetic Dental, we understand how crucial it is for our patients to feel confident about their appearance. By offering services like composite bonding and tooth-colored fillings, we can help you maintain a healthy and beautiful smile.

What Is Composite Bonding?

Composite bonding is a cosmetic dental procedure we recommend to improve a tooth’s appearance. The process involves applying a tooth-colored resin composed of plastic and glass particles.

This combination of materials gives composite resin an appearance similar to tooth enamel, making it perfect for cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Olivia Oriani (Dr. O) customizes the shade of the material to match your teeth, creating a discreet repair and a noticeable improvement.

How We Use Composite Bonding

At Oriani Cosmetic Dental, we use composite bonding to fix common aesthetic dental flaws, including:

  • Chipped teeth
  • Cracked teeth
  • Broken teeth
  • Gaps between teeth
  • Tooth stains and discoloration

Bonding can also be an affordable alternative to veneers and crowns; however, bonding may have to be replaced every 3–5 years, but with proper care can last longer; veneers and crowns can last 10–15 years or longer.

The Dental Bonding Procedure

Treating a tooth with bonding is a straightforward process. Since it’s minimally invasive, Dr. O can often perform the procedure without needing a local anesthetic.

First, she cleans and prepares the affected tooth or teeth. Next, she applies an etching liquid to the tooth’s surfaces to improve adhesion.

Dr. O then adds the composite material, building it up in layers to expertly match the tooth’s contours. A special curing light is used between each layer to harden and strengthen it, and the final step is to polish the material to create a smooth, natural-looking finish.

Tooth-Colored Fillings

We also use composite resin for dental fillings to restore damaged or decayed teeth. Dr. O can create a virtually invisible repair by shading the material to match your tooth color.

The procedure for placing fillings is similar to that used for composite bonding. Dr. Oriani removes the damaged portion, prepares the area, and applies the composite resin. She then polishes the tooth for a smooth, natural-looking finish.

Benefits of Composite Bonding and Fillings

Using composite resin for bonding and tooth-colored fillings offers several benefits, including:

  • Improves your smile — Both procedures help improve the appearance of your teeth, giving you a brighter, more confident smile.
  • Protects against further damage — Bonding and tooth-colored fillings strengthen teeth and help protect them from further damage. We can also use bonding to cover exposed tooth roots and minimize tooth sensitivity.
  • Creates long-lasting results — With proper care and maintenance, composite bonding and tooth-colored fillings can last 5 years or longer.
  • Preserve natural tooth structure — Both procedures require less removal of healthy tooth structure than other dental restorations, meaning we can preserve more of the natural tooth.

Get the most longevity from your restorations with good oral hygiene habits and regular visits to OC Dental for routine exams and teeth cleanings. Also, avoid hard or sticky foods that can damage the resin or dislodge the filling. Don’t chew on hard objects like pens or ice, and avoid biting your fingernails as all these habits can chip or crack your restorations.

Need a Tooth Repaired with Bonding or Fillings?

We're excited by advances in dentistry that give us new and improved materials and more ways to help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. If you are interested in cosmetic bonding or need a tooth filling, please call our Washington, DC, dental clinic to schedule an appointment.