Due to pandemic-related anxiety and stress, dentists saw an uptick in fractured teeth due to grinding (bruxism). If you’ve chipped or cracked a tooth, don’t delay seeking treatment. Your Lexington, KY cosmetic dentist can offer solutions like veneers, crowns, or bonding.
What is dental bonding, exactly? Read on to find out! After reading this FAQ guide, you can decide if cosmetic dental bonding is right for you.
Learn everything you need to know about cosmetic tooth bonding today!
What Is Dental Bonding?
First, let’s answer the question that likely brought you here: what is dental bonding?
This in-office cosmetic dentistry procedure can repair cracked, chipped, or damaged teeth. Your cosmetic dentist will use composite resin to fill any cracks in a damaged tooth. The resin will match the existing color of your teeth, allowing repairs to blend with your current smile.
After shaping the composite resin, your dentist will use ultraviolet light to ensure it hardens into place. Shaping the resin also ensures it mimics your tooth’s structure.
As a result, you can chew and speak normally while feeling confident in your restored smile.
The composite resin will bond to an existing tooth (hence the name!).
Bonding is a cost-effective option compared to other cosmetic dental procedures like dental veneers and crowns. It’s also simpler than most other cosmetic procedures. You won’t require anesthesia or multiple visits to your doctor’s office.
The Procedure
First, your dentist will use a shade guide to determine which resin color to use. Then, they’ll roughen the surface of the damaged tooth. Using a solution to roughen your tooth enamel will prepare your tooth for the bonding process.
Your dentist will apply a liquid (the bonding agent) to the tooth before applying the composite resin over it. The composite resin will be in a putty-like state. Once the resin is in place, they’ll mold your tooth, then harden the material using an ultraviolet light.
Once the composite material hardens completely, it will remain bonded to your tooth.
Your dentist will finish the procedure by polishing your tooth to remove any excess composite. They’ll make sure the tooth matches the luster of your teeth during this stage, too.
Who Needs It?
You might consider dental bonding if you have:
- Stained teeth
- Unwanted spaces between your teeth
- Dental decay
- Unusually short teeth
- Broken, cracked, or chipped teeth
Remember, bonding is a cosmetic dental procedure. It can help improve the appearance of your smile by repairing imperfections. It’s even used as a tooth filling to treat tooth decay (as an alternative to silver fillings).
However, there are limitations. This procedure is usually ideal as a short-term solution.
Repairing a damaged tooth with this procedure can give you the confidence to show off your stunning smile. Otherwise, you might experience complications if you leave a damaged tooth unattended.
Is It Safe?
Yes; dental bonding is safe and effective. There aren’t any major risks associated with this procedure.
Remember, you won’t need a numbing agent or anesthetic for this procedure. It’s non-invasive, saving you downtime. Your dentist will only need to roughen the surface of your tooth (instead of removing part of the enamel).
The procedure is also fast. Your dentist will only need a few minutes to complete the entire procedure. Other procedures, on the other hand, can take time and multiple appointments.
Since the composite resin matches your existing teeth, the results will look natural, too.
Composite resin is also versatile. You can improve the appearance of your smile by fixing many different flaws.
How Long Does Dental Bonding Last?
A few factors can determine the lifespan of your tooth bonding.
With proper oral care and hygiene, they should last up to 10 years. Make sure to brush your teeth twice a day. Floss daily to minimize plaque and tartar formation.
Don’t forget to schedule routine cleanings with your dentist every six months, too. Routine check-ups can improve the longevity of the bonding.
Can you whiten your bonded teeth? Though you can, the resin material won’t respond to whitening the way your existing teeth will. Maintain proper oral hygiene habits to avoid staining.
What About Aftercare?
Make sure to consult your cosmetic dentist to determine how to extend the lifespan of your dental bonding. The composite material is delicate and can stain easily. To minimize the risk of stains, make sure to brush and floss every night.
Otherwise, improper oral hygiene can lead to staining. You might need to repair your composites sooner than expected.
How Much Does It Cost?
How much does cosmetic dental bonding cost? You should expect to pay $300 to $600 per tooth. However, prices can vary based on your location, the dentist’s expertise, and the extent of your needs.
Before choosing a cosmetic dentist, compare prices to determine the average cost of the dental bonding procedure. Consult your insurance company beforehand as well. Since bonding is a cosmetic procedure, some insurance companies won’t cover the expense.
Keep in mind that you’ll need to replace the bonding every five to 10 years.
Dental Bonding FAQs: Talk to Your Lexington, KY Cosmetic Dentist
To recap, what is dental bonding? This cosmetic dentistry procedure can help restore and renew your smile. Talk to your Lexington, KY cosmetic dentist to determine if you’re an ideal candidate for treatment.
With cosmetic dental bonding, you can smile with the utmost confidence!
Ready to improve your smile? We can’t wait to see you!
Request an appointment today to take the first step towards a stunning new smile.
