Dental Bonding

Dr. Chow can change the look of non-optimum teeth with a procedure called dental bonding. A resin material that blends in with the color of your teeth is applied to the tooth, then cured with a special light that bonds the material to the tooth. Bonding is often done as a cosmetic procedure to change the look of a tooth or teeth, but it can also be used to fill cavities.

Woman with her hand to her chin, smiling

Common Reasons for Dental Bonding:

Repair broken, chipped or cracked teeth
Make discolored teeth whiter
Change the length of a tooth
Change the look of misshapen teeth
Provide protection for exposed tooth roots
Fill a cavity with a tooth-colored material instead of amalgam
Close a gap between teeth

Bonding is a great economical alternative to other cosmetic procedures, such as veneers and crowns. They also do not require as much tooth reduction as these other restorations do. However, dental bonding is not as stain resistant as a crown or veneer, nor is it as strong. Dr. Chow can discuss this option with you and answer any questions you may have.

Dental Bonding Procedure

If Dr. Chow recommends dental bonding, the first step will be to choose a shade of the composite resin that matches the color of the patient’s teeth. This procedure requires no anesthesia except in cases where it is being used to fill a cavity in which case the tooth will be numbed so that all decayed material can be removed prior to filling. If Dr. Chow recommends dental bonding, the first step will be to choose a shade of the composite resin that matches the color of the patient’s teeth. This procedure requires no anesthesia except in cases where it is being used to fill a cavity in which case the tooth will be numbed so that all decayed material can be removed prior to filling. Following initial preparation, Dr. Chow will carefully apply the resin, shaping and smoothing until he is satisfied that the tooth has met his stringent standards of perfection.

As one of Thousand Oaks most respected dental professionals, he understands the importance of having a beautiful smile that boosts confidence. Each step of a dental bonding procedure is done with this goal in mind. After the tooth has been sculpted, it is cured with an ultraviolet light. This makes the material bond with the tooth and also hardens the resin. The tooth is then trimmed and polished so that it matches the other teeth. This procedure is quick and painless. Bonding usually takes about an hour per tooth. Following the procedure patients can enjoy eating and drinking their favorite foods in about 48 hours. This will allow the bond to fully mature so that red wine and other staining liquids will not mar the beauty of the newly restored smile.

Candidates For Dental Bonding

While dental bonding is a great option for certain types of restorations, it is not recommended in certain cases. Patients who have significant decay in molars will likely need to have crowns or dental implants. This is due to the biting and chewing forces placed on molars. Dental bonding is best used in front teeth, to fill smaller cavities and to provide protection for exposed roots.

Patients who have chips, small gaps, uneven teeth and other small defects will be delighted with the result of dental bonding.

Real Patient Reviews

I had been wanting to find a holistic dentist for quite a while, so I did a bit of research and found Dr. Chow. I don’t usually like going to the dentist, but today changed that. Dr. Chow and his entire team are outstanding. His office is beautiful, clean, and the ambiance is calm and relaxing. My appointment was scheduled at 7:30 a.m., and I was escorted back to the dental chair at 7:29 a.m. They were kind enough to provide me with an early appointment so I could get to work on time. I had full X-rays and a cleaning by their amazing hygienist, who took her time explaining exactly what she was doing and what she was seeing throughout the procedure. She was pleasant to interact with and even massaged my gums as part of the cleaning. Dr. Chow then completed an extensive dental exam. He was extremely thorough and attentive to my concerns. He discovered four cavities that a previous dentist had missed. We also decided to perform a CT scan to ensure there was no hidden oral disease where previous root canals had been performed. I’m thrilled that I found Dr. Chow and his incredible team. I can’t wait for my daughters to see him as well. If you’re looking for an outstanding dentist who goes above and beyond in every way, Dr. Chow is your guy.

J.L.

I was able to get squeezed in for a very challenging emergency tooth extraction due to a horrible infection. The entire staff was personable, and Dr. Chow took his time caring for my tooth. I was really sick from the infection, and I’m grateful for the care I received.

A.J.

Dr. Chow is a true craftsman in his profession, and I would not hesitate to recommend him. He deserves all the five-star reviews posted about him. For 12 years, I suffered from infections affecting my sinuses and stomach and could not permanently heal them. Finally, a dentist discovered I had an infected cavitation in my lower left jaw that had gone undetected for more than 30 years. I had one opportunity to fix this issue and selected Dr. Chow because he was one of the few dentists with the expertise to properly address my condition. I also felt his fees were reasonable for the level of care required. It took about nine weeks after surgery for my body to adjust to not being sick all the time. Since then, I’ve experienced a dramatic resurgence in health that I had not felt in years. At 70 years old, I’m back in the gym three times a week, practicing yoga at home, and enjoying full productive days again. I truly feel like I have my life back. My wife, employees, and seven grandchildren thank you as well. Fantastic job by Dr. Chow.

D.S.

After more than 20 years of struggling with chronic illness, I was led down a path that ultimately brought me to Dr. Chow. I decided to remove four root canals and all remaining metal fillings that were contributing to severe health concerns for me. What initially felt like a desperate last effort has turned into a journey of healing and hope. I have undergone two six-hour surgeries with Dr. Chow, with more treatment still ahead, and I have never felt more safe or cared for by a medical professional. The staff feels like family — warm, familiar faces that make me feel genuinely seen and supported. Dr. Chow’s passion for holistic medicine brings a unique perspective to treatment. He understands the connection between oral health and whole-body wellness. Following my procedures, he has continued supportive care with ozone therapy to help address lingering infections and inflammation. His care has played a major role in my recovery and renewed sense of hope. Choosing Dr. Chow was one of the best healthcare decisions I’ve ever made.

T.E.

Inlays & Onlays

These restorations, made of tooth-colored resin or porcelain, are fitted to a cavity in a tooth. They are often used when a cavity is too big for a regular filling but not big enough to require a crown. They are custom made based on an impression made of your teeth. An inlay lies in the center of the tooth, and an onlay extends to one or more cusps (top peaks) of the tooth.

Inlays and onlays are more aesthetic than metal fillings and are very strong.