Do you have damaged teeth that cause you to feel less confident about yourself? With tooth bonding, you can have a cosmetic dentist in Charlotte, NC fix the problem immediately.
More Americans are turning to cosmetic dental procedures, like tooth bonding, to maintain or improve their appearance. Dental bonding is also an affordable transition to a more permanent cosmetic dental treatment.
Cosmetic dentistry procedures are likewise crucial in caring for teeth. Poor oral health often diminishes the quality of life. It can affect your ability to eat, speak, and sleep.
Oral Health and Job Readiness in North Carolina
A survey of North Carolina adults revealed the effect of oral health on job readiness. The study results showed 32% of participants from low-income households said that the appearance of their mouth and teeth affects their ability to interview for a job.
It indicates the need for an affordable alternative to improve teeth appearance. It is why tooth bonding is a cosmetic dental procedure anyone looking to improve their appearance can consider.
Tooth Bonding and Its Uses
Tooth bonding, or dental bonding, is when your dentist attaches a tooth-colored resin material to your affected tooth. He then uses a special UV light to harden and bond the teeth and the resin together.
Tooth bonding is a popular cosmetic dental procedure for individuals who want a less expensive option to improve the appearance of their teeth. You can also use it temporarily while waiting for a more permanent alternative, such as porcelain veneers.
Your doctor will also apply tooth bonding if you have minor to moderate cosmetic dental issues. The most common reasons to use tooth bonding are as follows:
- Improve the appearance of crooked teeth
- Repair cracked, chipped, or misshapen teeth
- Close gaps between the teeth
- Fill dental cavities
- Conceal deep teeth stains
- Whiten discolored teeth
- Make teeth look longer
- Fix worn-down teeth
- Change the size and shape of teeth
- As a cosmetic alternative to amalgam fillings
Preparing for Tooth Bonding
Before starting the procedure, your dentist will assess your mouth and teeth to see if tooth bonding is the right solution for your dental condition.
The dentist may take dental X-rays of your teeth and gums to check if you are eligible for dental bonding. If necessary, the dentist may first require you to undergo dental treatments if you have tooth decay or gum disease.
You will also discuss what cosmetic goals you want to achieve and how much you are willing to spend. If you do not have dental insurance, ask about a dental plan that helps you pay for the procedure.
How Tooth Bonding Is Done
Tooth bonding is a straightforward procedure where your dentist will perform the following:
- Remove a small part of the tooth structure to ensure the tooth-bonding material adheres securely to the tooth.
- Match the color of your teeth to the composite resin bonding material to obtain natural-looking results.
- Attach the resin to the tooth, shape and mold it until it fits perfectly.
- Apply a special UV light to set and harden the resin.
- Trim and shape the bonded tooth.
- Polish the material to match the shine of the rest of the tooth surface.
The entire procedure can last between 30 and 60 minutes. In some cases, it may take longer to finish, depending on the extent of the damage that needs bonding.
Tooth Bonding Maintenance
After a tooth bonding procedure, you can proceed normally with your brushing and flossing habits. But you should avoid eating or drinking teeth-staining food and drinks for at least two days.
The lifespan of your tooth-bonding resin is from 4 to 8 years. Some dentists use a material that can last up to 9 years. It will, however, depend on the location of the bonded tooth and how you care for it.
Advantages of Dental Bonding
A tooth bonding procedure gives you the following benefits:
- The average cost of dental bonding is from $300 to $600 per tooth. Many dental insurance plans cover most of the costs if the reason for dental bonding is to fill a cavity or for structural purposes.
- Less enamel removal. Among all dental restoration procedures, tooth bonding requires the least amount of enamel reduction. There are also instances when the dentist will not remove your tooth enamel.
- Dental bonding does not require anesthesia, drilling, or other procedures that often take a long time. If the bonding material chips, your dentist can replace it immediately. A typical tooth bonding procedure can take about 30 minutes to an hour.
- The dental bonding process itself is not painful. You may, however, experience tooth sensitivity after the procedure. The discomfort will usually go away after your bonded tooth adjusts.
What You Need to Remember
Care is essential if you want your dental bonding material to last a long time. Tooth-bonding resin does not resist stains and is not as strong as crowns or veneers. It can also break off from the tooth.
That is why your dentist will require you to take extra care of your bonded tooth to ensure lasting results. Make sure to schedule regular dental appointments to maintain the results of your bonded tooth.
Due to the limitations of dental bonding, your dentist may only recommend the procedure for minor cosmetic changes or short-term correction.
Choosing a Cosmetic Dentist for Your Tooth Bonding Procedure
Find a cosmetic dentist you can trust to make the dental bonding process comfortable. Since it is a restoration procedure, you should pick a dentist who can provide the optimal cosmetic outcome.
Take the time to visit the websites of cosmetic dentists you are considering. Read reviews and testimonials. Ask for before and after photos of previous tooth-bonding patients.
Talk with the dentist and ask everything you want to know. Obtain as much information as possible about the procedure and the cost. Doing these will help you make an informed decision.
Takeaway
You can change your life with the help of cosmetic dentistry. With tooth bonding, you have a cost-effective and quick solution for your teeth appearance problems. Through this fast and painless procedure, you can improve your smile without breaking the bank.
If you believe tooth bonding is a good option for you but don’t know where to start, you can search for a term like “dentist near me queens village” on the internet to find a dentist that you can visit.
