Cosmetic Bonding in Sandy Springs, GA
Tooth-colored resin, shaped by hand in a single visit. The most conservative cosmetic option there is.
Cosmetic bonding is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a tooth-colored resin to change the appearance of your teeth. It is shaped by hand, in the chair, in one visit — which makes it as much a matter of the dentist’s eye as of the material.
What it addresses
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Discolored or stained teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Misshapen or uneven teeth
- Decayed teeth, as an alternative to conventional fillings
The process
- Consultation. Dr. Choy examines your teeth, discusses your goals, and confirms bonding is the right approach.
- Preparation. The tooth surface is lightly etched and a conditioning liquid applied so the resin adheres.
- Application. The resin is applied and shaped to the intended form.
- Curing. A special light hardens the resin and bonds it to the tooth.
- Finishing. The material is trimmed, shaped, and polished to match the natural sheen of your teeth.
Benefits
Quick. Most bonding is completed in a single appointment.
Minimally invasive. Unlike veneers or crowns, bonding usually requires little or no removal of enamel.
Cost-effective. Bonding is generally more affordable than other cosmetic treatments.
Natural-looking. The resin is color-matched to your teeth.
Afterwards
Maintain good oral hygiene and follow Dr. Choy’s care instructions. Avoid biting hard objects, and limit the foods and drinks that stain resin — coffee, tea, and tobacco especially. If a bonded tooth chips or discolors, contact us for an evaluation rather than waiting for your next visit.
Common questions
How long does bonding last?
Composite resin typically lasts somewhere between five and ten years before it needs repair or replacement, depending on where it is and how you use it. Bonding on a biting edge takes more force and wears sooner than bonding on a smooth surface.
Will it stain?
Composite is more porous than porcelain, so over time it picks up colour from coffee, tea, red wine, and smoking in a way that a veneer does not. It is also easy and inexpensive to polish or replace, which is part of the trade-off.
Does bonding require removing enamel?
Usually very little or none, which is the main advantage over veneers. The surface is roughened so the resin grips, and the tooth underneath is otherwise left intact. That makes it reversible in a way veneers are not.
Can bonding close a gap between my front teeth?
Yes, and it is one of the most common reasons for it. A small gap can usually be closed in a single visit by widening the two teeth either side. A larger gap may look better closed by moving the teeth with aligners instead, so that the proportions stay natural.