Dental bonding can whiten stained or discolored teeth, close large gaps between teeth, fix chipped or cracked teeth, or reshape a misshapen tooth. Dr. Elizabeth Duling offers tooth 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 oral hygiene and schedule routine dental appointments in our office have brighter, 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. Compared to porcelain veneers, tooth bonding is a more economical treatment option that helps restore the dental structure. Patients can receive tooth bonding in just one visit to our dental office.
Another benefit is that bonding can treat various 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 unresponsive to traditional teeth whitening methods. It’s malleable, so it can be used to reshape misshapen teeth and close gaps between the teeth.
Dental bonding is an ideal way to treat chipped or broken teeth for restorative purposes. We mold it to match the shape of your teeth, making it look as natural as the rest. If you’re hesitant to get a permanent restoration, dental bonding provides a temporary solution. You can reverse it, and it lasts around 8-10 years, so you can decide whether to have this more permanently.
Before any restorative or cosmetic treatment, you’ll consult the dentist to discuss whether dental bonding is the right option for you. We’ll talk to you about your issues and your end goal. We’ll perform a thorough oral exam and discuss your budget to ensure you get the right treatment.
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. She carefully molds this material into the desired shape. Before applying the resin, Dr. Duling will check that the bite is comfortable with it. The resin is bonded and cured using a special UV light. Finally, the teeth will be polished once they have hardened.
Caring for Bonded Teeth
Your bonded teeth can only continue to look good and function properly if you care for them properly. If you don’t, you’ll likely stain the bonding material, chip it, or dislodge it from the tooth. The main thing for you to do is ensure that you brush, floss, and visit the dentist regularly. Basic oral hygiene is one of the most important ways to manage your smile, including any restorations you may have had.
While bonding material is stain-resistant, it’s not as resistant as materials like porcelain or our natural teeth. If you have tooth bonding, take extra care to avoid staining foods or beverages. These include coffee, dark cola, strawberries, and red wine. When you drink staining beverages, use a straw. Using a straw limits the amount of contact the beverage has with your teeth and the bonding material.
Foods and drinks high in acid or sugar can also be problematic. These properties increase bacterial activity in your smile but also wear away at the bonding material, weakening it. It’ll fall off or disintegrate faster than it would normally. Diets high in sugar and acid also compromise the tooth structure to which the bonding material attaches. If this tooth structure is compromised, the bonding material doesn’t have a solid foundation to support it.
Try to avoid biting down directly on the bonded teeth. Dental bonding isn’t as strong as porcelain or natural teeth, so it’s more susceptible to chips and cracks. Habits like biting your nails or using your teeth to rip open packages harm bonding material. Be sure that you’re not brushing your teeth too forcefully, either. This can wear down the bond between the material and the tooth’s surface.
Teeth Bonding FAQs
Dental bonding can treat almost any dental issue that you can think of. Learn more about it by reading the answers to these 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 how you use the treatment. Insurance likely won’t cover it if you receive it for cosmetic purposes like discolored teeth. In this case, the treatment is considered elective and not necessary. If the treatment is for restorative purposes, insurance will likely cover it. Insurance will likely cover any treatment necessary to protect the tooth’s integrity.
Does tooth bonding break easily?
Dental bonding is a strong material that can successfully repair a tooth. It is stronger and longer-lasting than dental fillings. However, it is weaker than porcelain veneers. Many people are not ready for the financial commitment or the permanency of dental veneers. In these cases, tooth bonding is a perfectly acceptable solution lasting 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. We highly recommend wearing a mouthguard if you grind or clench your teeth.
Is tooth bonding painful?
Dental bonding is a relatively noninvasive and painless treatment. It involves some prep work, so you may experience tooth sensitivity to hot and cold after the procedure. This is only temporary and will subside after a few days. You can use over-the-counter pain medication, but it is hardly ever necessary.
Can I eat normally with dental bonding?
Some foods can harm the bonding material. Avoid biting down on hard foods like nuts directly with your bonded tooth. If you have a habit of chewing ice, try to avoid doing this as well. You shouldn’t use your teeth as tools to open packaging or anything else, either. Bonding material also stains more easily than other solutions. Be cautious when drinking coffee and other staining beverages. Use a straw to eliminate how much they come into contact with your bonded teeth.
Will dental bonding affect my bite?
Dental bonding should not affect your bite if it’s done correctly. Our dentist shapes the bonding material to match your tooth’s natural shape, so it fits correctly when you bite down. However, it could feel uncomfortable if the bonding is too thick or not shaped well. If you notice any changes in your bite or discomfort after the procedure, visit us for adjustments.
How long does dental bonding last?
Bonding can last anywhere from three to ten years, depending on how well you take care of it. It’s a temporary dental treatment but can last long. The better you care for the bonded tooth, the longer the bonding treatment will last.
What happens if I chip my bonded tooth?
If you chip your dental bonding, don’t worry—our dentist can usually fix it. She will clean the area and add more bonding material to restore the tooth. Then, she will shape and smooth it to match the rest of your tooth. If the chip is small, the repair is often quick and easy. See our dentist as soon as possible to prevent the chip from getting worse.
Am I a good candidate for dental bonding?
One of the best things about bonding is that almost any patient is eligible. Bonding is one of the most affordable dental treatments, making it cost-effective for most patients. It’s completely removable, so even children are eligible for bonding treatment. It’s minimally invasive and a simple procedure that only takes a short time in our office. You’re a good candidate for bonding as long as you have good oral health.
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 further questions about tooth bonding or other cosmetic options. We will help answer them for you.