Cosmetic Dental Bonding & White Fillings
Available in a variety of natural-looking shades, composite bonding (plastic resin) restorative materials are an economical approach for concealing minor flaws in front teeth, such as chipped edges, or spaces between teeth. Dental bonding materials are also an esthetically pleasing choice to repair small areas of tooth decay with white fillings.
Mercury-free White Fillings
While not as durable or long-lasting as porcelain crowns and veneers, bonding requires very little tooth preparation or drilling. Tooth-colored “white” fillings are used to treat small areas of decay on molar chewing surfaces and are non-metallic and mercury-free. Some dental composite materials also have fluoride-releasing properties.
Large areas of decay and broken tooth structure typically require more durable restorations such as inlays, onlays or crowns. Dr. Dodson is a certified Cerec® provider; this CAD/CAM restorative technology offers him the tools to design and place all-ceramic natural looking crowns, inlays and onlays in a single visit. Learn more about Cerec®.
The Cosmetic Bonding Process:
After the tooth is shaped for the restoration, mercury-free composite material is applied to the tooth surface and hardened with a special curing light. Dr. Dodson will adjust the restoration to suit your smile and bite, and you are on your way!
Bonding is also a great way to make cosmetic decisions about your smile. The nature of the materials gives Dr. Dodson the flexibility to change the design until you get exactly the look you want. We often temporarily place bonding materials to visually communicate and plan the shape, size and shade of porcelain crowns and veneers.