Tooth bonding uses a tooth-colored composite material to cover imperfections in a tooth. For certain patients, tooth bonding may be the best cosmetic dental procedure for improving their smile. The process is simple and painless, requiring little to no healing time.

The patient may or may not require a local anesthetic before the tooth is prepped. To prepare the tooth, Dr. Lippi will remove only a minimal amount of tooth structure, such as any decay or weakened areas of the tooth. The purpose of this step is to allow the material to bond to the healthy portion of the tooth that still exists. Bonding material must only be adhered to a healthy tooth to prevent further damage or decay.

Once the tooth is prepared, the material is permanently bonded to the surface of the tooth, filling in any areas that were previously removed. Dr. Lippi will then smooth out the composite to ensure an even bite and to create a natural appearance of the tooth. The results of your tooth bonding procedure will provide a natural look and feel to your teeth while correcting minor dental issues.

The result of tooth bonding is quite similar to that of veneers. However, tooth bonding is typically completed in one visit, unlike veneers, which take multiple trips to the dentist. Also, tooth bonding is completed entirely by the dentist and does not require the use of a dental laboratory so your procedure can be completed in one visit.

Tooth bonding can be less expensive than veneers. Tooth bonding is ideal when only a portion of a tooth needs to be fixed; whereas veneers can correct multiple issues by covering the entire front portion of a tooth.

Dr. Lippi can help determine which cosmetic dental procedure is best for you. If you are interested in improving your smile with cosmetic dental treatments, contact Dr. Lippi’s office today and schedule a consultation. We welcome patients from Los Gatos, San Jose, Saratoga and the surrounding areas.