It’s no secret that white teeth have become one of the top beauty standards, and that’s part of the reason why there are so many options when it comes to whitening your teeth. Whitening toothpastes, professional teeth whitening, veneers, and even dental bonding can all brighten your smile.

But how do you know which is the best option for your discolored teeth? Here at Arya Dental, we believe there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to dentistry. Each smile is unique and so are the cosmetic treatment plans we create. 

Below, Dr. Saeed Mokhayeri and Dr. Hengameh Safarcherati answer a common question: Is dental bonding the best option for my discolored teeth?

Is dental bonding the best option for discolored teeth?

The answer to this question isn’t quite so clear-cut. Dental bonding isn’t the only option for correcting stained teeth, but it can be the right solution for you. Dental bonding is a highly customizable procedure in which tooth-colored resin is molded onto the surface of your tooth.

When applying dental bonding material to your tooth, our team carefully tints it to match the natural appearance of your teeth, and because it’s applied directly to your tooth, it’s considered effective even when teeth-whitening can’t address a tooth with stubborn stains. 

You might consider dental bonding to correct a stained tooth if:

• You are only aiming to treat a few teeth (or even a single tooth)
• Your tooth is also damaged (cracked, chipped, etc.)
• You want to enhance the shape and color of your tooth
• You have small gaps you want to hide as well

In other words, dental bonding can be an ideal treatment for restoring the form and function of your mouth, especially if you have stains and other issues (such as chips) you’d like to address. 

When dental bonding isn’t the best solution

Although dental bonding is an effective treatment for enhancing the appearance of a stained tooth or protecting a damaged tooth, it isn’t necessarily the right solution for everyone. For example, if you have multiple stained teeth, veneers may serve you better. Or, if you have a severely decayed and discolored tooth, you might benefit more from a dental crown. 

In any case, our team prides itself on recommending the right treatment to meet your needs. That’s why we always start with a comprehensive exam, a review of your aesthetic goals, and a review of all of your treatment options. Even if dental bonding isn’t right for you, we can get you started with the treatment that will help you achieve your dream smile.

What to expect when you receive dental bonding for discolored teeth

Once Dr. Mokhayeri or Dr. Safarcherati determine that dental bonding is right for you, we can get started with the dental bonding process. Typically, dental bonding only requires one appointment. 

Here’s what you can expect when you receive dental bonding. Our skilled team:

• Prepares your tooth surface by roughening it up so the bonding material can attach more firmly
• Tints the composite until it reaches the desired shade
• Applies the composite resin to the front surface of your tooth
• Shapes the resin until it’s the ideal shape 
• Cures the resin with a special light

If we’re bonding several stained teeth or are hiding gaps in your teeth, the dental bonding process may take a little longer, but you can still expect to walk out of our office with a brand new smile. Not only does dental bonding enhance the form and function of your mouth, but correcting stains can have a lasting impact on your self-esteem too.

Is dental bonding right for you?

The only way that you can know for sure if dental bonding is right for you is to schedule a consultation. To learn more about dental bonding for hiding tough stains or repairing a damaged tooth, contact our Fullerton, California, office to set up an appointment.