Dental Bonding
What is Dental Bonding?
Dr. Titensor uses a procedure to correct tooth gaps, chips, cracks, and other cosmetic dental problems known as dental bonding. Similar to veneers, Dental Bonding involves a tooth-colored resin material that Dr. Titensor applies to your teeth then hardens with a special light. The light stimulates the resin causing it to bond to the tooth, restoring and correcting the smile.
What Conditions Warrant Dental Bonding?
After your dental checkup, Dr. Titensor may recommend dental bonding when the following conditions are present:
- Decayed tooth
- Chipped or cracked tooth
- Discolored tooth
- Teeth with gaps or spaces
- Teeth which appear too short
How is Dental Bonding Performed?
Dental bonding to repair a chipped tooth or a cracked tooth requires little advanced preparation. Anesthesia is often not necessary unless Dr. Titensor uses dental bonding to fill a decayed tooth. He will select a composite resin color that closely matches the color of your tooth, for the most natural look possible.
During the first step of the dental bonding procedure, Dr. Titensor roughens the surface of the tooth and applies a conditioning liquid. This helps the dental bonding material adhere to the tooth. He next applies a tooth-colored, putty-like resin, molded and smoothed to the desired shape. Dr. Titensor then uses an ultraviolet light to harden the material. After the material is hardened, he further trims and shapes the resin, and polishes it to match the sheen of the rest of the surface of the tooth. Normally the time required for the dental bonding is about 30 to 60 minutes to complete, per tooth.
What are the Advantages of Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding is among the easiest and least expensive of all cosmetic dental procedures. Unlike veneers and crowns, which require manufacturing in a laboratory, dental bonding usually takes one office visit. During dental bonding, Dr. Titensor can save more of the enamel of your tooth compared to procedures involving veneers and crowns. In addition, anesthesia is usually not required for dental bonding, unless the treatment requires Dr. Titensor to repair a cavity.
Dental bonding is best suited for small, restorative corrections to repair cracked or chipped teeth, and for correction of teeth in areas with low bite pressure, such as front teeth.
Does Dental Bonding Require Special Care of the Teeth?
Good oral hygiene practices suffice for care of your teeth that received dental bonding. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss at least once a day, and see your dentist for regular professional checkups and dental cleanings.
However, bonding materials can chip. You should avoid
- biting your fingernails
- chewing on pens, ice, or other hard food objects
- using your bonded teeth as a bottle opener.
If you notice any jagged edges on a bonded tooth, or if your bonded tooth feels peculiar when you bite down, contact Titensor Dental.
How Long Does Dental Bonding Last?
Dental bonding materials can last anywhere from three to ten years; yet, this depends on how much bonding you initially needed and how you treated your bonded teeth. Proper dental care helps to optimize the longevity of your dental bonding.
How Much Does Dental Bonding Cost?
As with most dental treatments, the cost of dental bonding varies. Check your dental coverage plan. Insurance dental plans usually either fully or partially cover dental bonding.
What Can I Expect?
Remember looking in the mirror and seeing your cracked, chipped tooth? Dental bonding creates a very natural looking smile by maintaining the size, shape, and color of your natural teeth. Dental bonding is a safe and simple treatment that leaves you smiling.
