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For Emergencies Contact: 630.420.0013

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Office Hours

Mon & Fri 9 AM-6 PM
Tues & Thurs 7 AM-8 PM
Wed & Sat 9 AM-3 PM

Address

507 S. Main Street Naperville, IL 60540

Contact Us

630.420.0013

Repair Chipped, Misshapen, or Discolored Teeth

Bonding is both minimally invasive and speedy, making it a great option!

What is Bonding?

Bonding is the process of adhering restorative materials to the tooth to enhance esthetics. This process can be used to whiten, straighten, lengthen, reshape, or restore teeth using either chairside or custom-fabricated materials (veneers). When composite resin is used, it is dyed so that the bonded portion of your tooth or teeth will perfectly match your natural teeth, making them virtually impossible to detect.

 

Fortunately, bonding is minimally invasive and is a relatively quick in-office procedure. It is a great way to improve the overall look of your smile, and in the case of repairing chipped teeth, it helps to protect the remaining natural portion of the tooth.

A mouth with a chipped front tooth.

What is the Procedure of Tooth Bonding?

We believe the best way to lessen dental anxiety is to know the steps of the procedure. Whether you are having bonding done for cosmetic reasons or due to caries (decay), the procedure is the same.

 

 

First, the site will be prepared by removing any decay. Next, the tooth will be sandblasted to prepare the enamel. This is followed by a good rinse, and then etching gel will be applied and removed after a short time of sitting on the tooth. The tooth surface will be thoroughly dried, and a bonding agent will be applied and cured. Only then is the composite resin applied, shaped, and cured. Initial polishing will take place, and final polishing will typically be completed at a follow-up visit.

How to Protect Your Newly Bonded Tooth

It takes 24-48 hours for the composite resin to fully cure, so it is important to be cautious during this time, particularly if your mouth was numbed in preparation of the procedure. Avoid hard foods, as well. If your bonding was completed on or near the biting surface (such as front teeth), exercise caution biting into very hard or crunchy foods, as doing so can cause the composite material to chip or dislodge.

 

Sometimes the filling or bonding will need additional adjustment to ensure proper bite alignment. If you notice that your bite does not feel right, please contact our office right away at 630.420.0013 so you can come in for adjustments.