Dental bonding uses tooth-colored resin to repair chips, close small gaps and reshape teeth. It’s one of the quickest, most affordable ways to improve your smile, and it’s often done in a single visit with no numbing.
Front teeth bonding is one of the most common requests we get from neighbors in Shirlington and Fairlington, and it’s easy to see why. A small chip or gap can make you self-conscious, and bonding fixes it in about an hour.
Each tooth usually takes 30 to 60 minutes.
We choose a resin shade that matches your natural teeth.
We lightly roughen the surface so the resin bonds well. Most people don’t need numbing.
We apply the resin and sculpt it by hand to the shape you want.
A special light sets the resin in seconds.
We polish it smooth so it shines like natural enamel.
Bonding is quicker, more affordable and usually doesn’t require removing any tooth structure. Veneers are thin shells that cover the front of a tooth, last longer and resist stains better, but take more time and cost more. For small fixes, bonding is often the best place to start.
Bonding is one of the most affordable cosmetic treatments. The cost depends on how many teeth are treated and how much resin is needed. If bonding repairs damage, such as a chipped tooth, insurance may cover part of it. Purely cosmetic bonding usually isn’t covered. We’ll give you a clear price first.
Bonding is ideal for small, targeted fixes on healthy teeth. If you have larger chips, significant staining or want to change the shape of several teeth, a crown or another option may last longer. We’ll look at your teeth and give you an honest recommendation.
Planning to whiten? Do it first. For straighter teeth or larger gaps, see Invisalign®.
You can eat and drink normally right away, though it’s a good idea to go easy on coffee, tea and red wine for the first 48 hours while the resin fully settles. Your bonded tooth should feel smooth and natural. If an edge feels rough or your bite feels off, call us and we’ll polish or adjust it in a few minutes.
Bonding is strong, but it isn’t quite as tough as natural enamel. Treat it kindly: don’t bite your nails or chew ice, and wear a mouthguard for sports. Regular cleanings keep it polished, and small chips can usually be repaired quickly.
Bonding is as much an art as a science. The resin is shaped by hand, so results depend on the dentist’s eye for detail. We take our time to match the color and shape to your natural teeth, so the repair blends in and looks like it’s always been there.
Bonding is shaped by hand, one tooth at a time, so the result depends on patience and a good eye. We check the color in natural light, build the resin in thin layers, and step back to look at your whole smile before we polish. If bonding isn’t the best fix for your tooth, we’ll say so and explain what would last longer.
Front teeth bonding is one of our most requested cosmetic treatments, and we take particular care with color matching and shaping so the repair is invisible in everyday life and in photos.
Several years, often five to ten, and it’s easy to touch up when needed.
Usually not. Most people don’t need numbing.
Sometimes, if it repairs damage. Purely cosmetic bonding usually isn’t.
If you’re planning both, yes. Bonding is color-matched and won’t whiten later.
Small gaps, yes. For larger gaps, Invisalign® may be a better option.
Book online in about a minute, or call us at (703) 420-5250. New patients are always welcome.
