Dental bonding, a versatile and popular cosmetic dentistry procedure, has transformed smiles and restored confidence for countless patients at Storts Family Dentistry. It is a non-invasive treatment that involves applying a tooth-colored resin material to repair teeth, enhancing their appearance and functionality. Our talented cosmetic dentists can perform the procedure in a single visit, making it a good option if you need a quick fix. We offer teeth bonding in Ardmore, Madill, and Marietta, OK for patients who need treatment for minor cosmetic imperfections and tooth damage.
What is Dental Bonding?
Teeth bonding, also known as composite bonding or dental bonding, is a cosmetic dentistry procedure where your dentist will apply a tooth-colored resin material to your tooth. They will shape the material to hide imperfections, and the material will blend in with your tooth. This procedure is commonly used to repair minor to moderately chipped or damaged teeth. Various dental issues we often treat with teeth bonding include:
- Chipped or Cracked Teeth: Teeth bonding can repair minor chips and cracks, restoring the tooth’s shape and functionality.
- Gaps between Teeth: The bonding material can be applied to close small gaps, providing a more uniform smile.
- Discoloration: Teeth bonding effectively covers stains and discoloration, enhancing the tooth’s appearance.
- Misshapen or Short Teeth: Dental bonding can reshape teeth, making them more aesthetically pleasing and proportionate.
- Tooth Decay: For a tooth that suffers from decay, we may use some bonding material to restore the tooth.
Pros and Cons of Dental Bonding Compared to Other Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures
There are several pros and cons to choosing teeth bonding. Your dentist will review these with you during your consultation to help you decide if this treatment is right for you. It is important to understand both the pros and the cons so you can make a sound decision about your oral health.
Pros
- Affordable: Teeth bonding costs less than procedures like dental veneers or dental crowns, making it more affordable.
- Preserves the Tooth Structure: Unlike dental crowns, dental bonding preserves most of the original tooth structure, which is beneficial for overall oral health.
- Minimally Invasive: Bonding is a non-invasive procedure, often requiring little to no enamel removal, making it relatively painless, and preserving the integrity of the natural tooth.
- Versatile: We can use teeth bonding to address many issues such as minor chips, gaps, and discoloration, providing a comprehensive solution for multiple aesthetic concerns.
Cons
- Durability: While durable, your bonded tooth will be more susceptible to chipping and staining compared to materials like porcelain used in dental veneers or crowns.
- Staining: The resin material used in bonding can stain over time, especially if you smoke or consume an excess of coffee or red wine or other staining materials.
- Limited Lifespan: Dental bonding typically lasts between 5 to 10 years. At that time, you will have to have it redone. Other procedures like porcelain veneers or dental crowns often have a longer lifespan, making them a more durable choice in the long run.
Teeth Bonding for Children
Dental bonding can be used for children in certain situations. For instance, it can be applied to repair chipped or damaged primary (baby) teeth, preventing discomfort and potential oral health issues. However, it’s essential for children to have good oral hygiene habits, as bonded teeth require regular care to maintain their appearance and functionality.
The Teeth Bonding Procedure
The dental bonding procedure is easy and can often be completed in a single trip to one of our three dental offices located in Ardmore, Madill, and Marietta, OK. The steps in the teeth bonding process include:
- Preparation: Your dentist will start by selecting a resin shade that closely matches the natural tooth color.
- Etching: The tooth surface is lightly etched to create a rough texture, allowing the bonding material to adhere better.
- Application: The dentist applies the resin material to the tooth, shaping and molding it to achieve the desired appearance.
- Bonding: A special light is used to harden the bonding material, bonding it securely to the tooth.
- Polishing: After the bonding material is hardened, the dentist further shapes and polishes the tooth to ensure a natural and seamless look.
Schedule a Consultation for Teeth Bonding in Southern Oklahoma
Dental bonding is a versatile and accessible cosmetic dentistry treatment we often utilize for our patients. Even with its limitations, it’s affordable, fast, and offers aesthetically pleasing results. Because of this, it is popular among patients how are young or not ready to commit to a permanent treatment.
Storts Family Dentistry is a local Southern Oklahoma dentist office that offers teeth bonding treatment. Contact our office today to learn how this cheap and easy cosmetic dentistry treatment can improve your oral health and the appearance of your smile. You can reach us at (580) 260-3410 or by requesting an appointment online.