Even the smallest blemishes on your dental structures can take away from your smile’s overall aesthetics. If minor stains, chips, or cracks have made you feel self conscious about your smile, there are affordable and minimally invasive cosmetic dentistry solutions available. Dr. James Furgurson and Dr. Nathan White can correct minor tooth damage and cosmetic dental concerns using cosmetic teeth bonding in Chapel Hill, NC.
Dental bonding a fast and affordable cosmetic dentistry treatment that we can complete in a single visit to our Chapel Hill dental office. It is often the best treatment option for young patients or adults not ready for porcelain veneers or other permanent treatments.
Achieve Your Dream Smile in Chapel Hill
Tooth bonding is a cosmetic solution to fix of minor dental damage. This cosmetic dental treatment uses tooth-colored resin material similar to to dental filling to improve the appearance of teeth. Your dentist will apply the bonding material to the tooth’s surface then sculpt and shape it into the proper form. The material is color-matched to the rest of your teeth so your smile appears uniform and natural. The results will be discreet and beautiful. While the results of dental bonding are not long lasting, it can provide an immediate aesthetic result. Dentists use tooth bonding to fix:
- Chipped teeth
- Cracked teeth
- Discolored, or yellow teeth
- Tooth stains
- Misshapen teeth
- Gaps between teeth, diastemas
The Tooth Bonding Procedure
The tooth bonding process will only involve one visit to our Chapel Hill dental office. There are several steps that will begin with selecting the resin color that will match the rest of your teeth. Your dentist will roughen up the surface of your teeth and condition them. Then, they will apply the material directly onto the tooth. This resin material is then molded and shaped into the desired form. Your dentist will use a special light to harden the resin. Your dentist will trim and further shape the bonding material to create the perfectly shaped tooth.
The entire appointment should take about an hour or less. This is a fairly non-invasive, painless, and easy procedure that will not even involve numbing. Your dentist may need to remove some enamel but it will be very minimal if any needs to be removed at all.
If you minor damage to a tooth, it’s important to have a professional dentist evaluate it. While some blemishes are minor and harmless, others could mean there are more serious underlying issues. Your Chapel Hill dentist will examine your teeth to ensure tooth bonding is the right treatment for you. If we determine that dental bonding is not the best option, we can offer other restorative solutions to help you regain the functionality of your teeth. If we determine that dental bonding is not the best option, we can offer other restorative solutions to help you regain the functionality of your teeth.
Aftercare: Tooth Bonding
Bonded teeth are easy to care for. Excellent oral hygiene will keep them in good condition. This will include brushing multiple times a day and flossing at least once a day. We advise that you use nonabrasive toothpaste and a soft bristle toothbrush to brush your teeth with. The resin material is capable of becoming damaged. There are several steps that you can take to prevent this such as avoid biting on hard objects, wearing a mouthguard while playing sports, and wearing a nightguard if you grind your teeth at night. Scheduling regular dental checkups for teeth cleanings are also very important to caring for your bonded teeth. If you are experiencing issues, please so not hesitate to book an appointment to have your dentist take a look at your teeth.
Tooth Bonding FAQs
Our dentists provide services to restore the cosmetic appearance you desire. Our doctors are happy to answer any and all questions you might have about our cosmetic dentistry solutions including tooth bonding. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about this service.
How Does Tooth Bonding Work?
Cosmetic tooth bonding is basically the same process as a dental filling. Your Chapel Hill dentist will apply a tooth colored resin directly to the tooth, sculpt it into the desired shape, and cure the material with a special light. We won’t need to prepare the tooth by sculpting it. Therefore, the procedure is minimally invasive and virtually painless.
How long will it last?
With proper care and maintenance, you can expect most tooth bonding to last up to 5 years or more. Although dental bonding is a temporary measure. Additionally, we can easily touch it up if the bonding material begins to wear off.
How much does tooth bonding cost?
Dental bonding is a very affordable treatment. Dental insurance plans usually cover the cost, especially in the instance of tooth decay or damage. Our staff will work with you to maximize your dental health benefits and discuss your portion of the total cost.
Can teeth bonding be used on children?
Yes, teeth bonding is a great option for kids with minor stains or chips on their baby teeth. Because these teeth will eventually fall out and permanent teeth will replace them, teeth bonding is an excellent and affordable option for children in need of minor cosmetic repairs.
Does teeth bonding hurt?
Patients are usually able to withstand the teeth bonding procedure without any form of numbing or sedation. This is because it is a minimally invasive procedure. While your dentist may need to remove a small amount of enamel to make space for the bonding material, it will not be enough enamel removal to cause pain or discomfort.
Does tooth bonding stain over time?
Yes, it is possible for the bonding material to stain over time. However, it is more resistant to staining than natural tooth enamel. The resin used in tooth bonding is not as porous as enamel so it is more difficult for it to yellow or become discolored. The same items that can stain your teeth over time can also contribute to discoloring your bonded teeth. This includes red wine, coffee, tea, and smoking. We advise that you limit the use of these items to reduce the chances of staining your bonded teeth.
Can tooth bonding close gaps between teeth?
Your dentist can use tooth bonding to close small to moderate gaps between your teeth. The resin material is applied to the surface of the teeth then shaped to fill in the gap. However, if the gap is too large, you may require another cosmetic treatment. Large gaps in between typically require an orthodontic treatment or porcelain veneers. Your dentist will evaluate your condition to determine whether or not dental bonding is the right solution for you.
Is tooth bonding reversible?
Your dentist can remove the bonding material, however a new layer will need to be put on. If a new layer of bonding material is placed back on the tooth, then the tooth will need to be restored with another type of dental restoration. You may be able to restore the tooth with a dental crown or porcelain veneer. It is best to consult with a cosmetic dentist to understand what your options are.
Will dental bonding affect my bite?
If done correctly, dental bonding will not negatively affect your bite. In fact, it should support your natural bite. Dental bonding should be performed by a skilled cosmetic dentist who will consider things like your natural tooth shape and your bite.
Schedule an Appointment for Teeth Bonding in Chapel Hill, NC
If you are considering tooth bonding in Chapel Hill, NC, consider Chapel Hill Family and Cosmetic Dentistry. To book a consultation with an expert cosmetic dentist, call 919.736.6175. You can also request an appointment online by filling out the online form. We will work with you to come up with a plan to meet your dental health goals.