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.
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, restoring their appearance and function.
- Gaps Between Teeth: Dental bonding can close small gaps or spaces between teeth, improving the overall alignment and aesthetics of the smile.
- Discolored Teeth: We can treat teeth that are stained or discolored with bonding, which covers the stains and restores a natural-looking tooth color.
- Misshapen Teeth: We can use bonding to reshape teeth that are irregularly shaped or have cosmetic imperfections, enhancing their overall appearance.
- Cosmetic Improvements: Dental bonding is a versatile procedure for cosmetic enhancements, providing a relatively quick and cost-effective solution for various aesthetic concerns.
- Tooth Decay: We can use dental bonding to repair decayed teeth by removing the decayed portion and applying a tooth-colored resin to restore the tooth’s structure.
- Exposed Tooth Roots: Bonding can be applied to cover and protect exposed tooth roots, addressing issues like gum recession and tooth sensitivity.
The Teeth Bonding Procedure
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:
- 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.
- 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 achieve the shape and contour you desire. The material is soft and putty-like, allowing for precise sculpting.
- 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.
- 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.
What are the disadvantages of dental bonding?
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. Based on your oral health needs and cosmetic goals, he may need to use alternative treatments. Dental crowns, dental bridges, and porcelain veneers provide greater structural support and durability for addressing significant dental problems.
Book a consultation today with Dr. Marshall to learn more about teeth bonding in Greenville, TX. You can reach our dentist office by calling 903-270-5279 or request an appointment online by filling out the form.