There's nothing more valuable than a smile. It reflects healthy self-esteem, confidence, and openness to the world around you. But what if you're someone who shies away from smiling due to insecurities? Do you wish that you could amplify your smile without undergoing years of dental work and potentially irreversible removal of tooth structure? If so, then cosmetic bonding, such as dental bonding in Surprise, AZ, may be for you!
What is dental bonding?
Dental bonding is when we use tooth-colored filling material, often on the outside of a tooth. Sometimes we use that to help improve the appearance of teeth or to repair certain areas. Usually, when we're talking about composite bonding, we're talking about a resin material that we bond to the teeth with adhesives and a curing light.
We can choose the shade and vary the shape and thickness of the material. It's a great option if you have chips, want to mask certain discoloration, or have slight unevenness. It can be a conservative option and may cost less than traditional porcelain veneers.
Bonding materials can also have restorative uses. For example, composite may sometimes be incorporated into a splinting technique to help stabilize certain mobile teeth, depending on what's causing the mobility.
Cosmetic bonding, available at our practice in Surprise, AZ, lets you achieve the smile of your dreams in usually one visit. As a leading cosmetic dentist in Surprise, AZ, we offer this simple procedure that can instantly transform your smile within hours.
While people once relied on crowns and veneers, dental bonding in Surprise, AZ is becoming more and more popular worldwide—and for good reason.
Who is a good candidate for dental bonding?
Having healthy teeth and gums is important before we begin cosmetic dental bonding. If you have active gum disease, significant decay, or another oral health problem, we may need to address that first.
If your mouth is healthy and you have a concern that can appropriately be addressed with bonding, then you may be a good candidate. We'll evaluate your teeth, bite, and goals to determine if it's the right option.
What is the process for getting dental bonding?
After a thorough consultation, your Surprise, AZ dentist will decide the resin color they should use. All decay will be removed to ensure a sanitized and ready base.
It's somewhat similar to having a filling done. We usually do very little preparation to the tooth, which is one of the reasons bonding can be a conservative treatment. We prepare and clean the surface, apply the appropriate adhesive, and then add and shape the composite material before curing and polishing it.
Depending on what we're treating, local anesthetic may or may not be needed. The amount of time the procedure takes also depends on how many teeth we're treating and the extent of the bonding.
How long does dental bonding last?
Bonding can last for several years, but its lifespan varies depending on where the bonding is placed, your bite, oral habits, home care, and how much wear the material receives.
It's also important to keep up with your regular dental appointments. Let your dentist and hygienist know where you have bonding so they can take that into consideration while cleaning and polishing your teeth. Composite can be more prone to scratching and wear than porcelain.
Benefits of Cosmetic Bonding
Cosmetic bonding not only looks great but has countless other benefits, too! It can help with the following issues:
- Chips: Cosmetic bonding uses resin to conceal chips, making your teeth appear undamaged and natural.
- Gaps: Instead of waiting for months and years to fix dental gaps, cosmetic bonding lets you close these spaces in one procedure.
- Tooth discoloration: Cosmetic bonding helps camouflage tooth discoloration.
- Tooth length and shape: You can change the shape and length of your teeth through this groundbreaking procedure.
The overall treatment is very quick and safe, leading to a healthier and happier smile. For those looking for a cosmetic dentist near Luke Air Force Base, composite bonding can be a more affordable solution than other costly dental procedures.
How to Care for Bonded Teeth
Once you get your treatment done, taking aftercare seriously is essential to preserve your results. Here are some standard care tips to keep your new smile healthy and beautiful.
- Brush and floss morning and night
- Avoid colored beverages such as coffee, tea and dark soda for the first week after treatment
- Don't bite your nails
- Keep up with dental cleanings every six months
- Avoid hard foods and candy
- Avoid smoking
The better you care for your new smile, the longer your results will last.
What is the difference between composite bonding and porcelain veneers?
Traditional veneers are commonly made with porcelain and may be fabricated by a dental laboratory. Depending on the individual case, some natural tooth structure may need to be prepared before the porcelain veneer is placed.
With composite bonding, we can often preserve more natural tooth structure and add the material directly to the tooth. In some cases, little or no tooth reduction may be needed.
Composite bonding may also be easier to modify or repair later. However, it isn't always completely reversible because removing bonded material without affecting any natural tooth structure can depend on how the original treatment was performed. Porcelain veneer treatment may also be irreversible when the natural tooth has been prepared.
How much does dental bonding cost?
It's really going to depend on what we're doing and how many teeth we're treating. The cost can vary significantly between bonding a single tooth and doing a larger smile enhancement involving several teeth.
Traditionally, composite bonding may cost less than porcelain veneers. Once we know what you're looking to accomplish, we can explain the treatment and associated cost.
Is dental bonding covered by insurance?
Insurance coverage depends on why the bonding is being performed and your individual dental plan. Bonding that's considered medically or restoratively necessary may receive some coverage, while treatment performed solely for cosmetic purposes often isn't covered. We can review your specific benefits with you.
Does composite bonding change color over time?
Composite bonding doesn't respond to teeth whitening the same way natural tooth structure does. The material can also develop surface staining or changes in appearance over time.
If you're planning to whiten your natural teeth and also have cosmetic bonding done, we may recommend whitening first. That allows us to select the composite shade based on the color of your teeth after whitening.
Understanding your dental care options is an important part of protecting your oral health. Contact us at (623) 632-0726 or email [email protected] with any questions.