Tooth bonding is an affordable and effective cosmetic dental treatment that gives you natural-looking results. It will keep your tooth enamel strong and healthy by adding a protective layer to your teeth. Plus, we can use bonding for restorative reasons to fix any damage too.
Dr. Mark Sowell and Dr. Sara Chen, are your cosmetic dentists in Plano, Texas. We provide dental bonding to patients for the following reasons:
- Repair decayed teeth
- Repairs cracked or chipped teeth
- Cover up stained teeth
- Closes spaces or gaps between teeth
- Lengthens the appearance of teeth
- Alters the shape of teeth
- Provides a cosmetic alternative to metal amalgam fillings
- Protects an exposed portion of the tooth’s root because of receding gums
What is Tooth Bonding?
Cosmetic teeth bonding can enhance the appearance of any smile in as little as one visit. Composite resins fill cavities and offer the same advantages as porcelain veneers or dental crowns. However, they are less invasive and more affordable. Sometimes, patients get bonding to improve the look of their teeth until they’re ready for a more permanent solution.
Dentists offer two types of cosmetic dental bonding: transitional bonding and direct bonding. These can last up to 10 years, but will depend on the type and extent of damage.
Direct dental bonding means placing tooth-colored composite fillings on a single tooth or multiple teeth. Dr. Sowell and Dr. Chen do this to restore function, size, and shape or even enhance the shade of your teeth. The success of these direct bondings depends on Dr. Chen’s and Dr. Sowell’s expert sculpting skill and ability to free-hand.
Transitional bonding is a temporary procedure for anything from a mock-up to a full-mouth rehabilitation. We call it “transitional” because it lets the patient transition into more permanent treatments. Transitional bonding also allows Dr. Mark Sowell and Dr. Sara Chen time to work out any bite-related issues.
Transitional bonding is an important tool for cosmetic dentists in Plano, TX. We usually use transitional bonding when a patient needs a gradual fix for their issue. The result is usually 80% as nice as an ideal ceramic or porcelain result. Dr. Sowell and Dr. Chen are masters at handling, contouring, layering, and polishing tooth-bonding compounds.
The Dental Bonding Procedure
Dr. Sowell and Dr. Chen make getting dental bonding simple and stress-free. First, they’ll prepare your tooth by gently removing a tiny bit of its surface. This helps the bonding material stick better and ensures it blends naturally with the rest of your tooth.
Once your tooth is ready, they’ll apply a tooth-colored resin directly to it. Using their skill, they’ll carefully shape and smooth the resin to match your other teeth. It will look completely natural. After you’re happy with the shape, they’ll use a special light to harden the material so it stays securely in place.
The whole process is quick and easy, and there’s no recovery time. You can eat, talk, and smile right after your appointment. Bonding is a fast, hassle-free way to fix or improve your teeth.
Tooth Bonding FAQs
How Long Does Dental Bonding Last?
Dental bonding can last for several years or more with the right dental care. Our dentist can quickly replace the bonding with porcelain ceramics over time. Often, dentists use transitional bondings for younger teenage and 20-something patients because they are more affordable than ceramics.
Can You Put Veneers Over Tooth Bonding?
In theory you can, but some dentists don’t recommend it. It is best to replace your existing bonding with a veneer. This will ensure a seamless fit and provide more protection for your tooth. The dentist will need to remove the bonding before placing veneers, so make sure you get the right treatment the first time.
Are There Any Risks or Side Effects of Tooth Bonding?
While it’s safe and offers many benefits, there are some things you should keep in mind. One possible side effect is sensitivity. Some patients may notice their teeth feel sensitive to hot or cold foods and drinks after the procedure. This discomfort is temporary and fades after a few days.
Durability is another factor to consider. While the bonding material is strong, it’s not as tough as natural teeth or options like crowns or veneers. Don’t bite down on hard objects to avoid chipping or cracking the bonding.
Staining can happen over time. The resin used in bonding is more stain-resistant than natural enamel but can still stain. Smoking or eating foods and drinks like coffee, tea, or red wine can stain the resin. Taking care of your teeth and getting regular cleanings can help prevent staining.
In rare cases, some patients might have an allergic reaction to the materials in the bonding process. If you have a history of allergies, it’s important to share them with your dentist before treatment.
Overall, tooth bonding is a safe and effective way to improve your smile. Knowing about these potential risks and side effects can help you make a well-informed decision about your care.
Can Tooth Bonding Be Used on Both Front and Back Teeth?
Yes, tooth bonding is a flexible procedure that works well for both front and back teeth. Bonding can fix chips, cracks, or gaps in front teeth.
On back teeth, bonding can have a more functional purpose. We can use it to repair cavities or strengthen worn down back teeth. However, the bonding might not hold up as well in the back because it’s under more chewing stress.
Whether it’s for cosmetic improvements or functional repairs, tooth bonding is a great option for many dental concerns. Our dentist will help you decide if bonding is the best choice for your needs and suggest ways to keep it strong over time.
Before & After Dental Bonding at Aesthetic Dentistry Centre
In the above image, the upper right canine and lateral teeth wore down because of teeth grinding. Dr. Sowell used direct tooth bonding to restore her teeth. He carefully made sure to match the bonding with the anatomy and color of her natural teeth. The repair to her canines and lateral is undetectable and blends in seamlessly with her natural smile.