Why choose us
Benefits of Composite Bonding
Repairs Small Flaws
Tooth-colored resin can cover chips, small gaps and uneven edges on your teeth.
Blends With Your Teeth
We shade the material to match your natural teeth so the repair looks like part of your smile.
Often One Visit
Many bonding treatments can be completed in a single appointment at our Coral Springs office.
Conservative Approach
Bonding usually requires little or no removal of your natural tooth structure.
Same Dentist Throughout
You see Dr. Buitrago at every visit, from your first exam to your follow-up care.
Composite bonding is a tooth-colored resin that we shape directly onto a tooth to repair a small chip, close a narrow gap, or cover a stain, and it is a good fit for teens and adults who want a conservative cosmetic fix. Picture a front tooth with a corner that chipped on a fork years ago. In many cases, we can rebuild that corner in a single visit, often with little or no change to the natural tooth underneath.
Bonding uses the same family of composite resin materials we use for tooth-colored fillings. The resin starts soft, like a putty. We select a shade that blends with the surrounding teeth, apply it in thin layers, and sculpt each layer by hand. A special curing light hardens the material. We then refine the shape and polish the surface so it reflects light the way enamel does.
Because the resin bonds directly to the tooth, we usually need to remove very little enamel. That is the main difference between bonding and options like crowns or porcelain veneers, which require more preparation and are made separately. Bonding is done chairside, start to finish, so you leave with the finished result the same day.
Bonding works best for small to moderate cosmetic concerns on teeth that are otherwise healthy. Common examples include:
- A chipped or worn edge on a front tooth
- A small gap between two teeth
- A stain or discoloration that whitening does not lift
- A tooth that looks slightly shorter or narrower than its neighbor
- Exposed root surfaces near the gumline
Bonding is not the right answer for every situation. A tooth with a large fracture, deep decay, or heavy biting forces may need a stronger restoration, such as a crown. Your care is planned by Dr. Renan Buitrago, a prosthodontist, which means a dentist with three additional years of specialty training in replacing and restoring teeth. He looks at how your bite works and how each option will hold up, not only at how the tooth looks today.
What happens at my first visit?
At your first visit, we examine the tooth, talk about what bothers you, and confirm whether bonding makes sense. Dr. Buitrago checks for decay, gum health, and bite issues that could affect the bonding. If cleanings or other care come first, we explain why and in what order.
This is also the time to talk about color. Bonding resin does not respond to whitening. If you are considering whitening, we usually recommend doing it before bonding so we can match the resin to your brighter shade. If a smile makeover is on your mind, we can show you how bonding fits alongside options like veneers, whitening, or Invisalign. Then you can choose with the full picture in front of you.
Will bonding hurt, and how long does it take?
Most patients find bonding comfortable, and many cases need no numbing at all. If we are working near the gumline or repairing a sensitive area, we can use local anesthetic. For patients who feel anxious about dental visits in general, we also offer oral sedation and can discuss whether it is appropriate for you.
The time in the chair depends on how many teeth we are treating and how much shaping is involved. A single small repair is often one of the shorter appointments we do. Multiple teeth take longer because each one is layered, cured, and polished individually. You see the same doctor throughout, so the person who planned your result is the person who sculpts it.
How do I care for bonded teeth?
You care for bonded teeth much like your natural teeth: brush twice a day, floss daily, and keep your regular cleanings with our hygienist. At those visits, we check the bonding edges and can polish the surface to help keep its luster.
Composite resin is strong, but it is not as hard as enamel or porcelain. Avoid biting fingernails, pens, ice, or other hard objects with bonded teeth. Coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco can stain resin over time. If you grind your teeth at night, let us know, because grinding can chip bonding. Small chips can usually be repaired by adding new resin, and bonding can be refreshed or replaced when needed.
Does insurance cover bonding, and what payment options are there?
Coverage depends on your plan and the reason for treatment. We accept all major PPO insurance plans, and our front office will file the claim and help you understand your benefits. Bonding done to repair damage is sometimes treated differently than bonding done purely for appearance.
We also welcome self-pay patients. For flexible payment, we offer CareCredit, 0% and low-interest financing options, and accept all major credit cards. We go over the plan with you before treatment begins, so nothing comes as a surprise.
If a chip, gap, or stain has been on your mind, we would be glad to take a look. Our office is at 2232 N University Drive, Suite B, in Coral Springs, and we see patients from Parkland, Coconut Creek, Margate, Tamarac, and nearby communities. Reach out to schedule a visit, and we will help you decide whether bonding is the right fit for your smile.
The process
What to expect
- 1
Consultation and Exam
Dr. Buitrago examines your teeth, talks through your goals and confirms that bonding is a good fit.
- 2
Shaping and Bonding
We apply tooth-colored resin, shape it, harden it with a curing light and polish it smooth.
- 3
Care and Checkups
Brushing, flossing and regular cleanings with our hygienist help keep your bonding looking its best.