What Is Direct Bonding?

Direct bonding is a procedure in which we “bond” a tooth-colored material called composite resin to the teeth. It’s a simple, fast, and effective way to fix a multitude of problems, including repairing cavities and making cosmetic changes to the front teeth.

This material is matched to your existing tooth color (some patients choose to get a whitening treatment beforehand) and shaped to look very natural. When it’s done, you won’t be able to distinguish it from the rest of your tooth structure.  

Which Cosmetic Problems Can Direct Bonding Be Used For?

Our experienced cosmetic dentists can use direct bonding to fix a wide variety of minor to moderate issues, including:

• Chips and cracks
• Stains
• Reshaping imperfect teeth
• Small to moderate sized cavities
• Small spaces between the front teeth
• Replacing metal fillings

If you have more severe cosmetic issues, we may recommend an alternative treatment to give you the best results.

What Is the Procedure Like?

When bonding is done for cosmetic purposes only, the material is usually just added to the teeth without the need to remove any existing tooth structure, so numbing isn’t necessary. When bonding is done to repair small cavities, it’s often preferable to numb the tooth first.

The composite material is soft and putty-like, so we’ll spend time smoothing and shaping it after applying it to your tooth. Then we’ll expose it to a special light to “cure” or harden it before polishing it one last time so it feels slick and smooth. The procedure typically takes 30-60 minutes per tooth.

Aftercare Tips

Your new bonding will be fully “set” when you leave, so you can eat and drink normally right away. Composite material is the same material used for fillings on the back teeth, so it’s very strong. However, it’s still more susceptible to chipping than restorations such as veneers or dental crowns, so it’s a good idea to avoid chewing on pens, ice, or hard candies. If your bonding is on the biting edge of your teeth, it’s also helpful to break up hard or crunchy foods like apples into smaller pieces.

Dental bonding can pick up stains from coffee, tea, and red wine. To minimize staining, rinse with water after having these beverages, maintain good oral hygiene habits, and get a professional cleaning and polish every six months. By following these few guidelines, your bonding can last and also continue looking great for 5-10 years.

Interested in learning if direct tooth bonding in Ponte Vedra Beach is right for you? The best place to start is a consultation with one of our talented cosmetic dentists. After we’ve discussed your goals and determined that bonding is right for your needs, we can usually do it in just one visit.

Cosmetic Bonding FAQs

Do you want to know more about how you can transform your smile with cosmetic bonding in Ponte Vedra Beach? Our experienced and whip-smart staff has compiled some of the most common questions we hear from patients about direct bonding and answered them below. We hope you will find this FAQ section handy as you consider the best way to enhance your smile!

If you still have questions after reading the information below or feel ready to schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Kristopher Harth or Dr. Eric Townsend, do not hesitate to give our office a call!

Does Dental Bonding Hurt?

Dental bonding is a simple and relatively pain-free procedure. Your dentist will be applying the bonding material to the surface of your teeth, which are not prone to sensitivity. After the procedure is complete, you may experience some slight sensitivity to heat and cold. Over-the-counter pain medication can offer some quick relief for this temporary side effect.

Can I Undergo Dental Bonding if I Have Dental Anxiety?

If visiting the dentist’s office or undergoing dental treatment often causes you to feel stressed or anxious, please let us know ahead of time. While we always strive to make sure every patient feels comfortable at our office, we are prepared to take additional steps for patients who suffer from dental anxiety. We offer both oral conscious nitrous oxide sedation to ensure cosmetic bonding and any other procedure are as pleasant as possible.

Why Is Cosmetic Bonding So Popular?

Direct bonding is among the most popular cosmetic treatments available today. In addition to being a largely painless treatment, many men and women choose bonding due to the following benefits:

• Fast Results – Dental bonding typically requires just one visit to our office in Ponte Vedra Beach and can be completed in less than an hour.
• Preserve Healthy Teeth – Dental bonding treatment requires less enamel removal compared to porcelain veneers or crowns.
• Affordability – Cosmetic bonding in Ponte Vedra Beach is often more affordable than other cosmetic treatments, such as porcelain veneers.

How Much Does Dental Bonding Cost?

Dental bonding, which usually costs less than dental crowns or veneers, is a relatively inexpensive way to dramatically improve the appearance of your smile. However, there is no one-size-fits-all cost for bonding treatment. Instead, the cost will depend on a variety of factors, such as your unique smile goals, the number of teeth that will be treated, and the size of the affected area. Scheduling an initial consultation with a cosmetic dentist in Ponte Vedra Beach is the best way to determine the final cost of dental bonding treatment.

Does My Dental Insurance Cover Cosmetic Bonding?

Dental insurance plans often do not cover bonding treatment that is done for purely cosmetic reasons. However, dental bonding often has the dual purpose of restoring a person’s dental function and improving their appearance. Restorative bonding treatment is often covered at least partially by many dental insurers.

At Ponte Vedra Complete Dentistry, we believe financial concerns should not keep anyone from achieving the beautiful smile they deserve. That is why we are proud to offer no-interest financing options through the 5/3 Bank that make it easy to get the cosmetic treatment you desire without busting your budget. A variety of flexible financing options are also available through CareCredit and Community First Credit Union.