Tooth Bonding Truckee, CA

Tooth bonding may be recommended for a variety of dental health or cosmetic concerns. A relatively painless and quick procedure, it can be an economical alternative to more expensive options such as dental veneers.

Dr. Jason Baldwin offers tooth bonding in our Truckee dentist office for treating a range of dental concerns, both cosmetic and restorative. He has the skill and experience as an experienced cosmetic and restorative dentist to provide results from tooth bonding that will look natural, enhancing your smile while improving your overall dental health. Tooth bonding can effectively treat:

  • Spaces between teeth
  • Minor chips, cracks, or damage to teeth
  • Discolored teeth
  • Tooth cavities

Tooth Bonding: What To Expect

The tooth bonding process is similar to a dental filling. Dr. Baldwin will apply a local anesthetic for your comfort during the procedure. He will then prepare the tooth by removing as little tooth structure as possible to accommodate the composite material comfortably.

The color-matched composite resin is molded carefully into place for a natural-looking new tooth that will blend beautifully with your smile. The final step is to cure it using a special light that will permanently set the composite, followed by polishing for a natural luster.


Cosmetic Bonding Vs. Porcelain Veneers

Cosmetic dentistry is not just recommended for making over a smile, but can also serve an important role in helping to maintain a healthy smile. As we age, tooth structure is weakened and can cause our teeth to become chipped and damaged. This will eventually reduce the tooth enamel, leaving our teeth more vulnerable to breaking and cracking.

Porcelain Veneers

Dental veneers are thin pieces of porcelain, custom-made to improve the appearance of your smile. This cosmetic treatment provides strength and resilience to improve the shape, size, and color of your teeth. Porcelain veneers are applied by removing a small amount of the original enamel. This allows the veneer to properly fit within the mouth and provides a more natural result.

Porcelain veneers are able to improve many cosmetic concerns such as discoloration, fractures, and gaps between teeth. Many patients enjoy veneers because they are made of durable, high-quality materials, which makes it harder to tell the difference between a veneer and a natural tooth.

Veneers resist stains from coffee, tea, and smoking. They can also make even the darkest teeth appear bright and white. However, because enamel must be removed to place a veneer, this is not considered a reversible treatment. Adjustments can be made but you will not be able to return to the original condition of the tooth.

Cosmetic Tooth Bonding

Dental bonding is a popular, less expensive cosmetic treatment. Tooth bonding uses high-density, composite resin and porcelain to perfectly match original teeth. Cosmetic bonding requires your tooth to first be roughened so the resin can properly adhere. When your dentist applies the resin, it will be molded and hardened to fill in cracks or chips present in your teeth. This custom color-matched resin is virtually indistinguishable from your natural tooth enamel.

Cosmetic bonding can be used in many ways but works best for repairing damaged teeth. Tooth bonding is a quick treatment for a long-lasting smile. Unlike veneers, the composite resin can be stained over time from coffee, tea, and smoking. While this treatment is less expensive than veneers, tooth bonding will only last around 10 years while veneers can last up to and beyond 20 years with good oral hygiene and dental care.

Every smile is unique. Both porcelain veneers and tooth bonding are great cosmetic treatments that can enhance your smile and improve your dental health. After discussing your cosmetic desires, goals, and budget, Dr. Baldwin will recommend which treatment is best for you.

Tooth Bonding FAQ

Does dental insurance cover dental bonding?

Whether or not dental insurance covers dental bonding will depend on a few factors. When bonding is used for cosmetic reasons like filling in chips or gaps, insurance companies will likely not offer any type of coverage. However, if you need dental bonding to support the health of the tooth, then your insurance will likely offer some type of coverage.

Does dental bonding look fake?

No, not at all! The composite resin used in the bonding process is tinted to perfectly match your surrounding, natural teeth. It will look just like your other teeth, and your smile will appear completely natural.

Is the tooth bonding process painful?

The dental bonding process is virtually pain-free. Dr. Baldwin will only be working on the surface of the tooth. You may not even need any form of anesthesia. However, if you require bonding for a cavity, then the process of preparing the tooth may be painful. In this case, Dr. Baldwin will administer anesthesia for your comfort.

Is tooth bonding a permanent solution?

Even though tooth bonding is highly effective, it is not considered a permanent solution. The composite resin dentist use in bonding is durable, but it doesn’t last forever. On average, tooth bonding can last between 3 to 10 years. It depends on how well you care for your teeth and the type of bonding done. Regular dental visits and good oral hygiene practices can extend the lifespan of tooth bonding. Lastly, it’s always important to discuss the longevity and care of any dental procedure with your dentist.

Does bonding prevent cavities?

Tooth bonding does not naturally prevent cavities. The composite resin the dentist uses in the bonding process is not susceptible to decay. However, the natural tooth structure around and under the bonding material can still develop cavities. Therefore, maintaining good oral hygiene practices—such as brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and regular dental check-ups—is still very much necessary to prevent cavities, whether you have tooth bonding or not.

Can tooth bonding be done in a single visit to the dentist?

Absolutely! One of the great things about tooth bonding is that a dentist can complete it in just one visit to the dentist. The procedure usually takes between 30 to 60 minutes per tooth. Your dentist will first choose a composite resin color that closely matches your natural teeth. Then, they’ll prepare the tooth, apply the resin, and harden it. Finally, the dentist will make any final adjustments to ensure it looks natural and fits comfortably.