Whiten stained or discolored teeth, close large gaps between teeth, fix chipped or cracked teeth, or reshape a misshapen tooth with dental bonding. Dr. Elizabeth Duling offers teeth bonding to patients in Owens Cross Roads AL. Tooth bonding is a cosmetic dental treatment that uses resin to improve the appearance and function of teeth.
Bonded teeth can last many years with the proper dental care and maintenance. Patients who practice proper oral hygiene and schedule routine dental appointments in our office have brighter and longer-lasting results.
Benefits of Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is used to change the color and shape of teeth. When providing dental bonding treatment, we use a bonding material that can also be color-matched to natural teeth.
Tooth bonding helps to cover and protect teeth from further damage. When compared to options such as porcelain veneers, tooth bonding is a more economical treatment option that also helps to restore the dental structure. Patients can receive tooth bonding in just one visit to our dental office.
Another benefit is the fact that bonding can treat a wide variety of dental issues, both cosmetic and restorative. Since it can be color-matched to the shade you want, it’s a good choice for whitening teeth that are unresponsive to traditional teeth whitening methods. It’s malleable, so it can be used to reshape misshapen teeth and close gaps between the teeth.
For restorative purposes, it’s an ideal way to treat chipped or broken teeth. It’s molded to go with the shape of your teeth, making it look natural as the rest of your teeth. If you’re hesitant to get a permanent restoration, dental bonding provides a temporary solution. It can be reversed and lasts around 8-10 years, so you can decide if this is something you want to have more permanently.
Before any restorative or cosmetic treatment, you’ll have a consultation with the dentist to discuss if dental bonding is the right option for you. We’ll talk to you about the issues you’re having and what your end goal is. A thorough oral exam will be done and we’ll discuss your budget to make sure you get the right treatment for you.
Tooth Bonding Treatment
Before treatment, Dr. Duling will make sure that dental bonding treatment aligns with your budget, goals, and dental needs. The tooth bonding procedure takes 30 to 60 minutes during one office visit. To begin treatment, Dr. Duling will clean the tooth or teeth receiving treatment to ensure successful results.
She may need to remove a small amount from the tooth’s structure to allow the resin to adhere properly. Once the teeth are prepared, Dr. Duling will apply the composite resin material onto the teeth. This material is carefully molded into the desired shape. Dr. Duling will check that the bite is comfortable with the resin on before doing it to the teeth. The resin is bonded and cured using a special UV light. Finally, the teeth will be polished once hardened.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my dental insurance cover tooth bonding?
Your dental insurance may or may not offer coverage for dental bonding. It depends on what the treatment is being used for. If you are receiving it for cosmetic purposes like for discolored teeth, then it most likely will not be covered. In this case, the treatment is considered elective and not necessary. If the treatment is for restorative purposes, then it will likely be covered by insurance. Any treatment that is considered necessary to protect the integrity of the tooth will mostly likely be covered.
Does tooth bonding break easily?
Dental bonding is a strong material that can successfully repair a tooth. It is stronger and longer lasting compared to dental fillings. However, it is weaker compared to porcelain veneers. Many people are not ready for financial commitment or the permanency of dental veneers. In these cases, tooth bonding is a perfectly acceptable solution that can last up to ten years.
To extend the life of your bonded teeth, you should take good care of your oral hygiene and avoid chewing on hard objects. If you grind your teeth or clench your jaw, we highly recommend wearing a mouthguard.
Is tooth bonding painful?
Dental bonding is a relatively non-invasive and painless treatment. There is a little prep work involved so you may experience some tooth sensitivity to hot and cold after the procedure. This is only temporary and will subside after a few days. Over the counter pain medication can be used however it is hardly ever necessary.
Call Our Dental Office
Do you want a brighter smile? Try dental bonding. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Duling on our website or call her office at 256.202.4186. Please let us know if you have any further questions about tooth bonding or other cosmetic options. We will help answer them for you.