Do you have chips or cracks in one or more permanent teeth? Try tooth bonding. Dental bonding treatment uses a composite resin to cover stained and broken teeth. Bonding can also cover gaps between teeth.
Dr. Rachel Barone offers teeth bonding treatment as a cosmetic dentistry solution for patients in Boulder, CO. Dental bonding material uses the same material we use for white fillings and can create a brighter, more symmetrical smile.
Teeth Bonding in Boulder, CO
To begin dental bonding treatment, Dr. Barone ensures the teeth are clean. If she is treating a discolored tooth or teeth, she will use a shade guide to determine the current color of the enamel. Then, she prepares teeth with an etching solution. Preparing the teeth ensures that the bonding material will adhere to the tooth.
She mixes the biocomposite resin to create the perfect shade for the bonding material. Then, she places the resin onto the prepared teeth. She shapes the resin to feel comfortable for the patient and ensures it does not interfere with their bite. She hardens the resin with a curing light and polishes the bonding material to match the natural sheen of tooth enamel.
The Benefits of Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is one of the most versatile tools a dentist possesses. Bonding material is what we use for tooth-colored dental fillings. We fill in the area that we removed decay from with this biocompatible resin. Unlike old metal fillings, it easily adheres to the tooth and blends in with your smile.
Bonding can treat almost anything that porcelain veneers can treat but in a temporary capacity. Dental bonding is completely removable and reversible, making it an option for children’s dental problems. If you’re ever unhappy with your bonding material or decide you want a different tooth restoration, we can remove it anytime. Because it’s temporary, it’s also one of the most affordable restoration options. Almost every patient is a candidate for dental bonding treatment.
Just because it’s temporary doesn’t mean it only lasts a little while. Typically, bonding lasts for around three to five years. Like with other dental restorations, the better you take care of it, the longer it’ll last. It’s less invasive than any other restoration. We only need to roughen the tooth’s surface a little to ensure the bonding material properly adheres to your tooth. We can usually complete the process in one visit.
Since bonding material is malleable, we can mold it to fix many problems. If your tooth is broken or chipped, we can sculpt the resin to fill the space you’re now missing. We can also cover the entire tooth with dental bonding material. This can treat conditions like tooth discoloration resistant to traditional whitening methods.
Caring for Bonded Teeth
Proper oral hygiene is the first step in caring for any restoration. Brush at least twice a day, floss at least once daily, and visit the dentist every six months for a cleaning and exam. Make sure you use a soft-bristled toothbrush when caring for your teeth at home. A brush with harder bristles can damage the bonding material, prematurely wear it down, or make it fall off entirely.
Bonding material is durable, but it can be damaged. Avoid biting down directly on the bonded area, especially if it’s a hard or sticky food. Avoiding certain habits can preserve bonding material for longer, too. Avoid biting your nails or chewing on ice, as these will damage the restoration, too. Don’t use your teeth as tools to open packages or containers. This puts a lot of pressure on them.
Bonding material isn’t as stain-resistant as our natural teeth or porcelain veneers. Staining foods and beverages like coffee, red wine, and strawberries can discolor the bonding material. Try to rinse your mouth out thoroughly with water if you’re consuming these things. If it’s a drink, use a straw to lessen the amount of contact the staining beverage has with your teeth. Using tobacco can also stain your bonding material.
Contact Our Dental Office
Do you want to fix minor imperfections in your smile? Call Gunbarrel Dental Center for dental bonding treatment today at 720-881-0614. Feel free to schedule a dental appointment with Dr. Barone on our website. If you have any questions, please let us know on your next visit, and we will be happy to assist you.