Dental bonding is a cosmetic dentistry procedure that is minimally invasive and affordable. Our dentists provide this treatment to their patients to repair minor tooth damage and enhance the appearance of their smiles. The procedure is quick and simple, and your dentist can complete it in a single visit. Flower Mound Family Dentistry offers teeth bonding in Flower Mound, TX, for patients seeking an aesthetically pleasing solution for their dental issues.
What is Teeth Bonding?
Dental bonding uses a composite resin that your dentist will mold directly onto the tooth’s surface. Your dentist will carefully shape the resin and polish it to match the surrounding teeth. Your newly designed tooth will blend in seamlessly with the natural dentition.
Dr. Gray typically uses teeth bonding to repair chips, cracks, discoloration, or minor spacing issues. It can also change the shape or length of teeth, providing a more uniform, aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Who is a Candidate for Teeth Bonding?
Candidates for dental bonding include individuals with the following:
- Minor cosmetic dental imperfections, such as chips, cracks, or discoloration.
- Small gaps between teeth that they would like to close without orthodontic treatment.
- Teeth that are shorter than desired and wish to lengthen them for a more proportionate smile.
- A desire for a minimally invasive and reversible cosmetic dental procedure.
- Children who need dental treatment but do not qualify for permanent dental restorations.
Good oral health is essential for dental bonding. Patients with active gum disease, tooth decay, or severe bite issues may need to address these conditions before undergoing cosmetic bonding.
What Can I Expect from the Dental Bonding Procedure?
The dental bonding procedure is straightforward. Your dentist will be able to complete the treatment in a single visit unless compilations arise which is very rare. The procedure does not require anesthesia unless we are using it to fill a decayed tooth. Here’s what to expect:
- Shade Selection: Dr. Gray will select a composite resin color that closely matches the natural color of your teeth.
- Tooth Preparation: Then they will slightly roughen your tooth’s surface and apply a conditioning liquid to help the bonding material adhere.
- Application: Your cosmetic dentist will apply the resin, mold it into the proper shape, and smooth it down.
- Curing: We will use a curing light to harden the material quickly.
- Polishing: After hardening, they will shape and polish the bonded area to match the sheen of the rest of the tooth surface.
The entire process can take 30 to 60 minutes per tooth, making it one of the fastest ways to improve your smile.
How Do I Care for My New Smile After Teeth Bonding?
Caring for your teeth after dental bonding is crucial to maintain the results. With proper care, dental bonding can last several years before needing a touch-up or replacement. However, it is important to point out that teeth bonding is not as long-lasting as other restorative procedures such as porcelain veneers or dental crowns.
Good oral hygiene is crucial to helping your teeth bonding treatment last. You need to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily. Regular dental visits are vital for monitoring the condition of bonded teeth, addressing any issues early, and keeping your oral hygiene in check.
For the first 48 hours after the procedure, avoid coffee, tea, tobacco, and other substances that can stain the resin. After that, simply limit the consumption of these substances.
Although bonded teeth are durable, avoid chewing on hard objects. This includes ice, pen caps, hard candy, etc. This can chip the bonding material. Teeth grinding and trauma to the mouth can also damage or chip the bonding material. Consider wearing a nightguard or a sports mouthguard.
What Are My Other Options?
If you are looking for a more permanent option to improve the appearance of your teeth, there are other cosmetic dentistry options. Each one is suited to the different needs and goals of the patient.
Porcelain Veneers: These thin shells of porcelain are custom-made to cover the front surface of teeth. Dental veneers are more durable and resistant to staining than dental bonding. They can also correct a wider range of cosmetic issues. Teeth veneers require more tooth preparation than bonding. To learn more about the porcelain veneer process, see Porcelain Veneers.
Dental Crown: Tooth crowns are cap-like dental restorations that cover the entire tooth to the gum line. We use them on teeth that are significantly damaged or decayed. They improve the appearance of the tooth and offer more strength and durability. To learn more about the benefits of a tooth crown, see Dental Crown.
Teeth Bonding FAQs
Learn more about teeth bonding treatment in Flower Mound, TX, with answers to these common patient questions:
Do veneers or bonding cost more?
Veneers usually cost more than bonding. Veneers are custom-made shells that cover the front of your teeth, and they are typically made from porcelain. They last longer and are more durable, but the process is more expensive and takes more time.
Bonding is quicker and less expensive than veneers because of the materials and methods. Our dentist can help you decide which option is best based on your needs and budget.
How long is the dental bonding procedure?
The dental bonding procedure usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes per tooth. It’s a quick process where the dentist applies a tooth-colored resin to your tooth, shapes it, and then hardens it with a special light. If you’re getting bonding done on several teeth, it might take a little longer or need more than one visit.
What is direct and indirect bonding?
During direct bonding, the dentist applies a soft resin directly to your tooth, shapes it, and hardens it with a special light. This is a quick process done in one visit and is great for fixing small chips, gaps, or discoloration.
Indirect bonding involves creating a custom piece, like a veneer or inlay, in a lab. The dentist then bonds it to your tooth during a second visit. Indirect bonding takes longer.
What foods or habits should I avoid after getting bonded teeth?
After getting bonded teeth, avoid hard foods like nuts, hard candy, or ice, which can chip the bonding.
Sticky foods like caramel or taffy that might pull on the bonded areas.
Staining foods and drinks like coffee, tea, red wine, or dark berries, especially in the first 48 hours after the procedure.
Biting on hard objects like pens, fingernails, or bottle caps. Also don’t use your teeth as tools to open packages. It can wear down your natural teeth and your bonding. Smoking or using tobacco can stain the bonding.
Can you repair bonding if it chips or wears down?
Yes, dental bonding can be repaired if it chips or wears down. If your bonded tooth gets damaged, your dentist can easily fix it by adding more bonding material. The process is similar to the original bonding treatment.
The dentist will match the color of the new material to your teeth, shape it to look natural, and harden it with a special light. This repair can restore the tooth’s appearance and function, making it look as good as new.
How do you clean bonded teeth?
Cleaning bonded teeth is similar to cleaning your natural teeth. Brush your bonded teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Avoid using a hard brush, as it can damage the bonding.
Use floss to clean between your teeth and around the bonded area. Be gentle to avoid pulling at the bonding. Don’t use toothpaste with baking soda or other harsh abrasives, as it can scratch the bonding.
Can bonding be done for both front and back teeth?
Yes, we can bond the front and back teeth. For front teeth, it can fix cosmetic issues like chips, cracks, or gaps, because it can improve the appearance and blend well with the natural tooth color.
Bonding can restore small areas of damage to back teeth. However, it may not be as durable as other treatments, like crowns or fillings, for these teeth, which are used more for chewing and can experience more pressure.
Can I get bonding in one visit?
Yes, dental bonding can usually be done in just one visit. The procedure is quick and doesn’t require multiple appointments. Depending on the number of teeth being treated, the whole process typically takes about an hour.
Schedule a Consultation for Teeth Bonding in Flower Mound, TX
Book a consultation today with Dr. Gray to learn more about teeth bonding in Flower Mound, TX. You can reach our dentist office by calling 972-848-8745 or request an appointment online by filling out the form.