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 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.
It’s an ideal way to treat chipped or broken teeth for restorative purposes. It’s molded to go with 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. It can be reversed and 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 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 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 onto the teeth. This material is carefully molded into the desired shape. Dr. Duling will check that the bite is comfortable with the resin 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.
Caring for Bonded Teeth
Your bonded teeth can only continue to look good and be functional if you care for them properly. If you don’t care for it, 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’re brushing, flossing, and visiting 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 is attached. 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 also 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 what the treatment is being used for. It will most likely not be covered 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. Any treatment considered necessary to protect the tooth’s integrity will 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 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 non-invasive and painless treatment. A little prep work is 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 further questions about tooth bonding or other cosmetic options. We will help answer them for you.