Dental Bonding & White Fillings

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is a standard procedure to restore, reshape and rejuvenate teeth, improving their function and appearance. Dentists apply a thin layer of tooth-colored plastic to the front of the tooth and sculpt it to perfect the patient’s appearance. Our cosmetic dentist, Dr. Brian McDowell, uses dental bonding to repair chipped, cracked, broken, misshapen, or stained teeth or fill in the spaces between teeth. In addition, he offers white fillings to blend and look like your natural tooth.

Material Used In Dental Bonding

The dental bonding material is made of a composite resin or a plastic that hardens and fuses to the tooth when the dentist shines a special light on it. Once in place, our Fitchburg dentist, Dr. Brian McDowell will shape the bonding material to correct the defect, color it to match the patient’s natural tooth and polish it until smooth.

Dental Bonding Treatment Process

Applying bonding to a patient’s teeth requires a three-step process.

Step 1: Dr. McDowell applies an etching solution to the tooth or teeth to prepare them to receive the bonding material. This solution gently roughens the tooth’s surface for a stronger bond between the natural tooth and the plastic.

Step 2: A thin layer of the bonding resin is placed on the tooth’s surface and sealed using a special light. Then, several layers of resin may be added and hardened in turn. Each layer takes only a few minutes to set.

Step 3: The bonding material is sculpted to the desired shape and colored to match the shade of the natural teeth. Finally, the bonding material is polished until it is entirely smooth.

The dental bonding procedure takes 1 to 2 hours, and its results may last up to 10 years before any restoration is necessary.

Dental Fillings

Dental tooth fillings are a restorative treatment to improve the look and functionality of teeth affected by damage or decay. The filling materials, which can be made from a few different substances, help to even out tooth surfaces for more efficient chewing and biting. Dental fillings can last many years and help keep the tooth functioning at its best.

Types Of Dental Fillings

Composite Fillings

Composite fillings are made of a glass or quartz filler within a resin medium that produces a tooth-colored material. Also known as filled resins, composites are often used in small to mid-size restorations, as they provide strength, durability, and resistance to fracture. In addition, the shade of composite fillings is made to closely match the patient’s actual teeth so that other people will not be aware that you’ve had dental work.

Glass Ionomers

Glass ionomers are also tooth-colored fillings made of acrylic and glass. They are most often used in young children because they release fluoride. However, this material is weaker than composites and usually lasts less than five years before a replacement is needed.

The Dental Filling Procedure

During your tooth filling appointment, our dentist at Brian C. McDowell, DDS will prepare the tooth by removing any decay or damage in the area with a dental handpiece or laser. Next, the surface of the tooth is cleaned and ready for filling. Finally, Dr. McDowell places the filling in the targeted area before he finishes and polishes the tooth to match the appearance of the natural teeth.

Some patients may require additional support after their tooth filling treatment, such as a dental crown, dental implant, or dental bridge placement. In addition, you may need a root canal for severely damaged or infected teeth. Before treatment, Dr. McDowell will exam your teeth and gum and advise on the best course of treatment.

Schedule A Dental Bonding & White Fillings Appointment

Call our Fitchburg dental practice at (978) 252-2049 to schedule an appointment for dental bonding or white fillings to keep your keep functioning and looking great. Our dentist, Dr. Brian McDowell has over 30 years experience treating patients from Fitchburg, Leominster, Westminster, Gardner, MA and other many surrounding areas.