Dental bonding before and after

Does a cracked or chipped tooth have you hiding your smile? An easy (and affordable!) fix is closer than you think. 

It’s called dental bonding, and it’s a simple, non-invasive procedure that restores your smile without replacing the damaged tooth. It’s ideal for improving chipped, cracked, stained, misshapen or discolored teeth, so you can smile and talk with complete confidence. The best part? You’ll enjoy last results for years to come, for a price that can work for your budget. 

Ready to learn more? Schedule an appointment with Aspen Dental today to talk about your care options with your team—or read on to discover if dental bonding is right for you.

What is dental bonding?

Dental bonding is a simple and affordable way to improve the look of your teeth. During this cosmetic procedure, your dentist uses a tooth-colored resin to fix chips, cracks or other imperfections. It’s also called composite or teeth bonding. 

Before dental bonding

Dental bonding is a great option if you're dealing with imperfections like chips, cracks, or gaps that affect your confidence. Here are some reasons dental bonding might be recommended: 

Chipped or cracked teeth: Little chips or cracks can happen from accidents or even biting into something too hard, leaving your teeth uneven and your smile feeling off-balance.  

Stained or discolored teeth: Whether it's naturally yellowish teeth or stains from coffee, wine or smoking, discoloration can dull your smile.  

Small tooth gaps: Even tiny gaps can cause an uneven look and feel to your smile. Bonding is a quick fix to help close those spaces.  

Misshapen teeth: Teeth that are naturally uneven, worn down or shorter than others can make your smile look less uniform. 

The dental bonding procedure

Dental bonding is a relatively easy and quick process at Aspen Dental. Here’s what you can expect during your procedure at your local office: 

Find your perfect match 

Your Aspen Dental care team will help you choose a resin shade that matches your natural teeth perfectly. The goal is to ensure that the bonded material blends seamlessly with your smile. 

Prep your tooth

For the resin to stick properly, your tooth needs a clean, slightly rough surface. Your dentist will gently clean and prepare your teeth, using a special bonding agent to help the resin adhere securely. 

Apply and cure the resin 

The putty-like resin material is carefully applied to your tooth and shaped to match your needs. Your Aspen Dental care team will build it up, step-by-step, to get the right thickness and shape. Your dentist will use a UV light to harden the resin and lock it in place. 

Sculpt and shape the resin 

After the resin hardens, your dentist will shape it further, making sure it blends naturally with your teeth. You might be asked to bite down to confirm it feels comfortable and just right. 

Add the finishing touch

Finally, your dentist will polish the resin until it’s smooth and shiny, giving it the appearance of natural enamel. The end result? A smile that looks and feels amazing. 

After dental bonding

You’re all done with your treatment—now what? Maintaining your bonded teeth is easy with these care tips: 

• Brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. 

• Floss daily to keep plaque and food particles from building up.  

• Avoid hard foods like ice, nuts or hard candies, which could chip the resin.  

• Watch out for stains from coffee, wine or tea. Rinse your mouth after consuming these beverages.  

• Stay on top of dental visits – regular dental check-ups help ensure the bonding remains in great shape.  
  
  

Dental bonding before and after FAQs

What is the recovery time after dental bonding? 

The good news is that there’s no recovery or downtime needed. You can head out and get back to your day right after the treatment. 

How long does dental bonding last? 

Dental bonding can last up to 3-10 years with good care, though everyday habits like chewing hard foods or drinking staining beverages may impact its longevity. 

Is dental bonding right for me? 

If you’re dealing with minor cosmetic imperfections, bonding could be a great option for you. Schedule an appointment at your local Aspen Dental office to explore your options and get tailored advice. 

Learn more about dental bonding

If you’re dealing with minor cosmetic imperfections, bonding could be a great option for you. Schedule an appointment at your local Aspen Dental office to explore your options and get tailored advice. 

Thinking about dental bonding? Schedule an appointment with your Aspen Dental care team to see how this simple procedure can transform your smile.