If you want to improve the appearance of your smile, Wesley Dental offers several cosmetic dentistry treatments. Dental bonding is a quick and easy procedure that can address several cosmetic concerns with your teeth. Dr. Scott Marshall offers teeth bonding in Greenville, TX, as an economical option to help patients achieve a better-looking smile.
Tooth bonding uses a tooth-colored resin that Dr. Marshall color-matches to your natural teeth. Then, Dr. Marshall shapes the material over your tooth and uses a curing light to bond it to your tooth.
Who Does Teeth Bonding Work Best For?
Dental bonding works best for minor to moderate cosmetic dental issues. Even though it is most often used for cosmetic issues, in some cases, we may use it for minor restorative purposes. Dr. Marshall often suggests tooth bonding to patients to address:
- Chipped or Cracked Teeth: Bonding repairs minor chips or cracks in teeth to restore their appearance and function. We recommend bonding for smaller areas of damage. The tooth-colored material can add structure to slightly damaged teeth.
- Gaps Between Teeth: Dental bonding can close small gaps or spaces between teeth. It can improve the overall alignment and look of the smile. Bonding blends seamlessly with your natural teeth, enhancing your smile’s balance and symmetry without the need for more invasive treatments.
- Discolored Teeth: We can treat teeth that are stained or discolored with bonding, which covers the stains and restores a natural-looking tooth color. Before we place the bonding material to your tooth, we color-match it to your natural tooth shade. We ensure your bonded tooth blends in seamlessly.
- Misshapen Teeth: We can use bonding on irregularly shaped teeth to enhance their overall appearance. When placed by a dentist, bonding can change your tooth’s shape. Dental bonding can create a more balanced look.
Is Dental Bonding For Me?
While teeth bonding is an effective solution for many cosmetic issues, it has limitations. It is not suitable for more extensive or severe dental issues.
A bonded tooth cannot withstand the long-term wear and tear associated with extensive dental problems. The resin material that we use to bond teeth, while strong, does not have the same strength as a dental crown. Also, it is only meant to treat small areas, not large portions of a tooth.
Dr. Marshall will assess your specific situation and recommend the most appropriate treatment. He may need to use alternative treatments based on your oral health needs and cosmetic goals. Dental crowns, dental bridges, and porcelain veneers provide greater structural support and durability for addressing significant dental problems.
However, we will recommend tooth bonding if you want to treat minor dental problems. Bonding is best for one or more teeth with minimal cosmetic issues.
We also recommend bonding if you aren’t ready for options like veneers, which require permanent tooth preparation. Our office can easily reverse bonding if needed. Compared to other cosmetic and restorative options, bonding offers faster and more affordable care.
The Teeth Bonding Procedure in Greenville, TX
The dental bonding procedure is a minimally invasive treatment. Dr. Marshall can complete it in a single dental appointment. In most cases, anesthesia is not necessary for dental bonding unless we need to fill a cavity. Here’s an overview of what to expect during a typical dental bonding appointment:
Preparation
We will begin by preparing your tooth for treatment. If the bonding is for a cavity, the dentist will prepare the tooth by removing any decay. For cosmetic bonding, your dentist will roughen up the tooth’s surface slightly to enhance the bond with the resin.
Color Matching and Sculpting
Your dentist will match the bonding material to the color of your natural teeth. Then, he will apply the tooth-colored composite resin to the tooth. Dr. Marshall molds and shapes the resin to match natural teeth. The material is soft and putty-like, allowing for precise sculpting.
Bonding
The next step is to use a special curing light to harden the resin. The light activates the chemicals in the material, causing it to bond and solidify. This process usually takes just a few seconds for each layer.
Dr. Marshall may need to apply the resin in multiple layers for complex cases. He will cure each layer before adding the next one. This layering technique helps achieve the desired shape and thickness.
Trimming and Polishing
Once he cures the resin, your dentist will further shape and trim the bonding material. This will ensure it blends seamlessly with the natural tooth contours. The bonded area is then polished to match the shine of the surrounding teeth.
Dr. Marshall will assess the final result. He may make some adjustments to ensure the tooth looks natural and functions properly. You may need to bite down to check the bite alignment.
Caring for Bonded Teeth
With the right care, dental bonding can last 5 to 10 or more years. After bonding treatment, ensure you continue a good oral hygiene routine. Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily. This helps remove plaque and food particles, and prevents decay around the bonded area.
Be cautious with hard foods like ice or nuts, which can damage the bonding material. Also, avoid biting your nails or using your teeth to open packages. The added pressure can chip your bonded teeth.
You should also stay away from certain foods and drinks like coffee, tea, and red wine, which can can stain the bonding material. Try to limit these or rinse your mouth with water after consuming them. Drinking water will also help wash away staining particles from your teeth.
Continue to visit our dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings. We can examine your bonded teeth and address any issues early. If needed, we can repair or replace the bonding material.
Teeth Bonding FAQs
Are you considering tooth bonding as a cosmetic dental solution? Here, we will answer some frequently asked questions about tooth bonding to help you make an informed decision about this popular treatment option. Our goal is to provide you with all the information you need to know before scheduling your appointment.
Is teeth bonding permanent?
Teeth bonding is not considered a permanent treatment. A bonding treatment can last for many years if you care for your teeth properly. However, eventually, you will need to replace or redo it. Bonding can chip or stain over time, so regular check-ups with a dentist is vital to its longevity.
How long does the bonding process take?
The dental bonding process usually takes under an hour per tooth. This short treatment time is why tooth bonding is a great option for short-term fixes or for minor tooth damage. Dental bonding is a quick, painless way to fix chipped, stained, or crooked teeth.
How long does dental bonding last?
Dental bonding can last anywhere from three to ten years. However, the longevity of your treatment depends on how well you take care of the tooth. You must brush and floss regularly and avoid biting on hard objects to help it last longer. Over time, the bonding material can chip or stain, so it’s best to see your dentist regularly for check-ups. If the bonding does damage, your dentist can fix it quickly.
Will my bonded teeth look natural?
Yes, your bonded teeth can look very natural. Our dentists use a tooth-colored resin that will match the color of your real teeth. They shape and polish the resin so it blends in with your smile. You will have a hard time telling it apart from your other teeth. Just make sure to take good care of your bonded teeth to keep them looking natural and beautiful.
How does dental bonding compare to porcelain veneers?
Dental bonding and veneers are both ways to make teeth look better. Tooth bonding uses a special material to fix small problems like chips or gaps. Porcelain veneers are thin covers that go on the front of teeth to make them look straighter and whiter. Teeth veneers will last longer than bonding, but they also cost more. Tooth bonding is quicker and easier but may not last as long. Both options can make your teeth look nicer.
What foods or drinks should I avoid with bonded teeth?
After your bonding treatment, we suggest you avoid eating sticky or hard foods like chewy candy, nuts, or ice. Also, try not to drink too much soda or sugary drinks that could damage the bonding. You must protect your bonded teeth by being mindful of what you eat and drink. Stick with softer foods and water to keep your smile healthy and strong.
Can bonded teeth be repaired or replaced?
Yes, your dentist can repair or replace the resin bonding material on a tooth. If the bond has chipped or cracked, the dentist can fix it by adding more bonding material. If the tooth is in bad shape, the dentist may need to remove the old bonding and replace it with a new one.
Get Bonding Treatment
Book a consultation today with Dr. Marshall to learn more about teeth bonding in Greenville, TX. You can reach our dentist office by calling 903-455-2942. You may also request an appointment online by filling out the form.
If you have questions about treatment, let us know at your next visit. We’ll be glad to help.