Cracked or chipped teeth can make biting and chewing uncomfortable. A single stained tooth can change the whole look of your smile. But dental bonding can help. Tooth bonding uses a malleable composite resin that can cover tooth damage and discoloration. Dr. Trace Bridges provides teeth bonding in Tulsa, OK, for patients who want quick, economical treatment.
Tooth bonding is a cosmetic dental treatment that can restore the shape and shade of one or multiple teeth. Dental bonding can also add structure to teeth. Bonding uses composite resin, a mix of plastic and glass, to create a durable yet tooth-like sheen.
What Can Dental Bonding Treat?
Dental bonding can address a multitude of cosmetic dental problems. With tooth bonding treatment, we can treat these cosmetic issues:
- Small gaps between teeth
- Chipped and cracked teeth
- Slightly crooked teeth
- Black triangles
- Stained teeth
- Short teeth
Dental bonding offers efficient treatment and is often a more economical alternative to other cosmetic treatments, including veneers. Patients with deep tooth stains that don’t react to whitening treatment or damage to one or more teeth benefit from bonding. Bonding can also help cover exposed tooth roots after gum recession.
Teeth bonding offers many advantages to patients, including:
- Brighter and whiter-looking teeth
- Even bites
- Straighter-looking teeth
- Stronger teeth
Bonding is minimally invasive yet can change your tooth shape, size, and shade. We can complete teeth bonding treatment in one office visit. If you already have a damaged tooth, we can prevent further damage to that tooth and other teeth with bonding. Bonding can add material to the top or bottom of the tooth to create a natural shape.
If you are unsure if more permanent treatments like crowns or veneers are right for you, we may recommend bonding. Bonding may not last as long, but your teeth do not require as much preparation. We minimally prepare each tooth for bonding treatment without changing your tooth’s natural shape. Bonding is easily reversible. If you want to try another cosmetic treatment after the bonding treatment, you can easily do so.
Comparing Teeth Bonding and Dental Veneers
Many patients who want cosmetic treatment may consider bonding versus veneers. These treatments are similar because they can cover one or more teeth. However, they use different materials.
Tooth bonding uses tooth-colored resin to cover single stained teeth, fix small spaces, and add material to chipped teeth. Veneers can use porcelain bonded to the front of teeth. Dental veneers can also cover all teeth that show when you smile. We often recommend veneers over bonding if you want to treat all the teeth in your smile.
However, bonding is an excellent option for a minor cosmetic problem. We can provide teeth bonding treatment in just one visit to our dental office. Veneers can take two office visits.
Dental bonding can last ten or more years, while veneers can last fifteen or more. Although veneers may last longer than dental bonding, veneers are often more expensive than dental bonding because of their materials. Dental veneers are also permanent because we remove a larger portion of the tooth enamel. If you want a minimally invasive cosmetic treatment, bonding may suit you.
Teeth Bonding Treatment in Tulsa, OK
Before bonding treatment, Dr. Bridges ensures that you are in good oral health. He can treat problems like tooth decay and gum disease before treatment. Infections can affect the health of your bonded teeth and surrounding gums. Dr. Bridges will also help you determine if bonding fits your budget and cosmetic goals.
To begin treatment, Dr. Bridges will clean the bonded teeth. He will prepare the tooth by roughening the tooth’s surface. Dr. Bridges will apply an acid to the teeth. Dr. Bridges may also remove any decayed material from the tooth.
Then, he will apply a conditioning liquid to prepare the tooth. Dr. Bridges will use a shade guide to ensure the bonding material will blend in with your treated tooth. He can also brighten your tooth to blend in with your smile.
Then, Dr. Bridges will apply the resin material to the prepared tooth. He will mold the material until it is the correct size and shape, ensuring it does not impede your bite. Once he trims, smooths, and polishes the material, Dr. Bridges will use a curing light to harden the bonding material.
To complete treatment, Dr. Bridges will polish the tooth and make any final adjustments to ensure that the tooth looks as natural as possible. It can take 30 to 60 minutes to treat each tooth.
How to Care for Bonded Teeth
You can brush bonded teeth just like natural teeth. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush bonded teeth. Avoid toothpaste with abrasive ingredients to prevent damaging the bonding. We also recommend avoiding foods and drinks that stain teeth, including coffee, wine, tea, tomato sauce, and berries. Your bonding can discolor over time if you consume these foods and drinks.
Directly biting down on hard and crunchy foods can chip your bonding. We recommend avoiding bad oral health habits like nail biting or using teeth as tools when you receive bonding treatment. Increased pressure on the bonding material can break your bonding material.
Remember to schedule routine dental visits. We can clean your natural and bonded teeth. If you chip or crack your bonding, we can provide repairs in our office. We will examine your natural and bonded teeth during regular exams to ensure they are healthy and intact.
We will recommend professional teeth whitening before bonding if possible. This is because bonding treatment can discolor over time. However, bonding can also cover a discolored tooth due to tooth damage.
Teeth Bonding FAQs
Read answers to common questions about teeth bonding from your Tulsa, OK, dentist:
How many visits does it take to get tooth bonding treatment?
You can get bonding in just one dental visit. We can prepare your teeth, apply the bonding material, and cure it to your teeth on the same day. You don’t have to wait for weeks to get brighter and straighter teeth.
Can I get dental bonding if I have sensitive teeth?
Yes, you can get dental bonding if you have sensitive teeth. Dental bonding is a safe and effective procedure for most people, even if they have sensitive teeth. However, if you experience sensitivity, be sure to let your dentist know beforehand. We will numb your teeth before treatment. The bonding material itself is usually gentle and shouldn’t cause pain.
What happens if I chip a bonded tooth?
If you chip a bonded tooth, don’t worry. We can fix it easily. Our dentist will first check the bonding to see the extent of your damage. Then, our dentist can add more bonding material to fix the chip, reshape the tooth, and make sure it looks natural again.
Can bonding help fill in gaps between teeth?
We may recommend dental bonding can cover small gaps between teeth. However, we may not recommend it if you have many tooth gaps or tooth gaps that need orthodontic care. We will examine your smile to determine if bonding is right for you.
How long does dental bonding last?
With proper care, bonding can last 5 to 10 years. To make sure bonding lasts, we will recommend that you continue to brush and floss every day. You should also continue to visit our dental office every six months.
After bonding treatment, you should avoid using your teeth as tools or directly biting down on hard foods. This will ensure your results last.
How much does tooth bonding cost?
The cost of teeth bonding in Tulsa, OK, can vary from patient to patient. Several factors can impact cost:
- The number of treated teeth
- Where you get treatment
- Insurance coverage
Before treatment, we will provide an estimate of your treatment cost. We also provide payment plans and work with Care Credit to keep treatment affordable.
Can tooth bonding treat worn teeth?
Yes, tooth bonding can help treat worn teeth. If your teeth have been worn down from grinding or aging, bonding can restore their shape and size. This can help your teeth look normal again and prevent further wear. However, if the damage is severe, our dentist may suggest other treatments.
Does tooth bonding hurt?
No, tooth bonding doesn’t usually hurt. The process is simple and doesn’t require any major drills or cuts. Most people don’t feel pain during the procedure, though you might feel a little pressure. If you’re nervous about pain, talk to our dentist about options to make you more comfortable.
Schedule a Dental Appointment Today
Are you looking for a non-invasive treatment to brighten your smile? Do you need to treat a chipped tooth? Call us for teeth bonding in Tulsa, OK, at 918-347-1114. You can also schedule a dental visit online at Hope Restorative and Cosmetic Dentistry.
Let us know if you have any questions about teeth bonding treatment. We will help you find the best cosmetic treatment for your smile.