Tooth bonding is the process of making a tooth-colored resin and applying it over the surface of your existing tooth to make it better blend in with the rest of your smile. A general and cosmetic dentist in Garner, Dr. Matthew Jenne can provide tooth bonding services to meet your cosmetic dental needs and for restorative dentistry purposes.
If you suffer from chipped, discolored, or misshapen teeth, our tooth bonding services can relieve you of these minor cosmetic concerns. While this is not a permanent solution to any dental damage, tooth bonding is a quick and cost-effective way to restore the appearance of your smile until more in-depth services are needed.
Many of our patients find that the bonding resin lasts them several years, depending on their oral hygiene habits. This makes tooth bonding especially helpful to our younger patients, whose teeth are still developing and are looking to prolong the need for more invasive services.
Tooth Bonding: What to Expect
Tooth bonding at Garner Family and Cosmetic Dentistry is a straightforward procedure. Bonding a tooth takes around 30-60 minutes, so we can complete it in one sitting. Dr. Jenne starts by creating a custom resin material that matches the color of your tooth. Then, your tooth will be etched or roughened slightly to help the bonding material adhere more thoroughly to your existing tooth.
Afterward, he applies the resin to the roughened portion of your existing tooth and bonds it with ultraviolet light. Dr. Jenne will then file and polish the bonded resin to best match the intended shape of your tooth and ensure that it does not affect your regular bite patterns.
Dental Bonding Aftercare
Properly caring for your restoration is essential to making it last a long time. Unlike porcelain veneers, bonding material is pretty prone to staining. Coffee, red wine, and tea are three of the biggest culprits. Try to limit these beverages or rinse your mouth out after you consume them. You can also use a straw to minimize the contact they have with your teeth.
Though dental bonding is strong, it’s not as durable as natural tooth enamel. Try to avoid biting down on hard or crunchy foods with your bonded teeth. You should also try to avoid habits like chewing on ice or tearing open packages with your teeth. If you grind or clench your teeth at night, we recommend a mouthguard to wear while you sleep to protect your restoration.
Some whitening toothpastes contain abrasive ingredients, and it’s important to avoid those. They can wear away the bonding material over time. Don’t use over-the-counter whitening products either, as these can damage the bonding material. If you want to whiten your teeth, we can offer professional solutions that won’t harm your restoration.
Crucially, take good care of your oral health. Brush and floss regularly and schedule regular dental checkups. Dr. Jenne can monitor your restoration and ensure everything is going well during your checkups. If you notice any issues or the bonding material falls off, call our office so we can replace it.
Dental Bonding Benefits
One of the best things about dental bonding is that almost anyone is eligible for it. The only preparation we need to do to the tooth is roughen it up, so the bonding material is completely removable. This makes it a treatment that we can even use to correct issues with a child’s baby teeth. If you decide you want porcelain veneers or another restoration, we can remove the material to make room for the new restoration.
Bonding is also a very quick procedure and requires no downtime. We can bond a few teeth in one appointment. Because we cure and harden the material during the process, you can eat and perform normal functions immediately following your appointment. You also don’t have to get a ride or worry about issues that come with sedation for a more intensive procedure or treatment option.
Tooth bonding can treat almost any cosmetic concern you have. The material we use is malleable, and we can mold it to fit any tooth shape. We can shape it to close gaps between teeth, while ensuring it looks natural. If you have a discolored tooth that won’t respond to traditional whitening, we can whiten the material to any shade you like. It can completely cover the tooth, making it look natural.
Though it’s a temporary restoration, it’s still durable and can last for years if you care for it properly. At regular dental checkups, we can examine it and see how it’s holding up. It’s an easy restoration to repair or refresh if something goes wrong or it falls out.
Tooth Bonding FAQs
We can use dental bonding to give you an affordable smile makeover or correct minor chips and cracks. It’s a popular dental treatment because it’s so affordable and versatile. Learn more by reading the answers to these commonly asked questions.
How long does dental bonding last?
On average, dental bonding lasts between 5 and 10 years with proper care. The lifespan depends on factors such as the bonding location, your oral hygiene habits, and whether you avoid habits like biting nails or chewing on hard objects. Regular dental checkups allow us to monitor and maintain the bonding. If the material becomes worn or chipped, it can be easily repaired or replaced.
Is dental bonding reversible?
Yes, dental bonding is considered a reversible procedure because it typically doesn’t involve removing much, if any, of your natural tooth enamel. Unlike veneers or crowns, bonding can be redone or modified later if you want a different cosmetic treatment. This makes it a great option for patients who prefer a non-permanent enhancement. It allows flexibility for future cosmetic or restorative needs.
Does insurance cover dental bonding?
Dental insurance may cover bonding if it’s performed for restorative purposes, such as repairing a chipped or decayed tooth. However, if the procedure is done purely for cosmetic reasons, insurance usually won’t cover it. It’s best to check with your insurance provider for details about your specific coverage. Our office also has an in-office membership plan and offers third-party financing options to help you get the care you need.
Will bonding change the feel of my teeth?
After a bonding procedure, your teeth may feel slightly different at first because of the new surface texture. However, once the material is polished and smoothed, it should feel completely natural. Dr. Jenne ensures that the resin blends seamlessly with your bite and tooth structure. Most patients adjust to the bonded teeth within a day or two.
Can I whiten bonded teeth?
Teeth whitening treatments don’t work on the composite resin used in bonding. Only your natural enamel will lighten during whitening, which could cause uneven coloring between bonded and natural areas. If you plan to whiten your teeth, do it before getting bonding so Dr. Jenne can match the resin to your brighter shade. If you already have bonding, he can replace or polish it for a better color match.
Is dental bonding safe for children and teens?
Yes, dental bonding is completely safe for children and teens. It’s a great solution for fixing chipped or uneven teeth after accidents or sports injuries. Because it’s non-invasive and reversible, bonding can serve as a temporary cosmetic fix until the child’s teeth and bite are fully developed. The procedure is quick and comfortable, making it ideal for younger patients.
Schedule An Appointment
Do you think dental bonding is the solution for your dental problems? Call us at 919.238.3470 or schedule an appointment online to get started.