Kingston, TN
At LakeView Dental Arts, we offer several cosmetic procedures to give you the bright, beautiful smile you desire. One such procedure, dental bonding, can be used to repair decayed, chipped, fractured, or discolored teeth. Similar to the light-cured composite used for dental fillings, dental bonding uses composite to repair correct chips, gaps, and spaces, providing you with a restored smile and natural results.
What Is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding uses tooth-colored composite material to repair damaged teeth. This conservative, cost-effective treatment is also used for aesthetic purposes. The material bonds directly to your teeth and can be completed in as little as one office visit.
Aesthetic dentists recommend bonding to improve the look of chipped, discolored, or gapped teeth. It is significantly less expensive than teeth veneers, although less durable. But bonding is a reasonably priced alternative. Dr. Walmsley has trained directly under a dentist who is nationally recognized for his aesthetic work in dental bonding, so you’re in good hands at LakeView Dental Arts.
Dental Bonding Procedure
There is no special preparation needed for dental bonding, and most procedures can be completed in a single visit. Unless the bonding is being used to fill a cavity or the chip is near the nerve, an anesthetic will not be necessary.
During the procedure, Dr. Walmsley will use a shade guide to select a color that will closely, if not exactly, match the existing color of your tooth. Next, we will roughen and condition the surface of your tooth with a special solution. This will help the composite better adhere.
Once the tooth is properly prepared, Dr. Walmsley will apply the tooth-colored, putty-like resin to the area. It will be molded and smoothed until the desired shape is achieved. Then, we will use a special curing light to harden the material. Once the resin composite is hard, we will remove any excess, then trim, shape, and polish it to match the sheen of your natural tooth. From start to finish, a bonding procedure takes about 30 to 60 minutes to complete and can be completed in a single office visit without the need for a dental lab.
Caring for Your Teeth After Dental Bonding
Typically, dental bonding can last from three years up to 10 before it needs to be touched up or replaced. In the meantime, you can treat your bonded tooth as you would your natural teeth. Follow good oral hygiene practices, such as routine brushing and flossing. Regular check-ups and professional cleanings are also an important part of maintaining your bonding. Try to avoid bad habits, such as fingernail biting and chewing on pens, as this can cause unnecessary damage to the material. If you notice any sharp edges or odd feelings, please contact us immediately. We may need to perform a touch-up.
Uses of Dental Bonding
Dental bonding should be considered if you have the following conditions:
- Decayed teeth that need repair
- Chipped or cracked teeth that need repair
- A space between your teeth, also known as diastema
- Abnormally shaped teeth
- Short teeth that you want to look longer
- Discolored teeth that do not respond to traditional teeth whitening methods
- An exposed root due to gum recession
Schedule an Appointment
We offer dental bonding because it can be extremely beneficial in certain situations. If you would like to learn more or schedule an appointment, call (865) 376-9687!