Dental Bonding
Agoura Hills, CA
 Do you have a cracked, chipped or discolored tooth? Do you want to improve your smile, but don’t want expensive oral surgery? If so, tooth bonding might be right for you. Let the experts at Artistic Smiles explain what you need to know.
What is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding, also called tooth bonding is a simple cosmetic dental procedure that utilizes a bonding agent to reshape your existing tooth. It’s not a surgery and doesn’t require multiple trips to the dentist. Simple and painless, it doesn’t even require anesthesia, unless you are also filling a cavity.
What Is It Used For?
Tooth bonding is an inexpensive and easy way to fix cosmetic defects or imperfections in your teeth. It can be used to repair cracked, decayed or discolored teeth, or even close gaps between teeth. It can also be used to increase the size of a tooth, for example, if you have one tooth that is shorter than the rest and you want your teeth to look even.
How Does It Work?
First, we use a shade guide to choose a composite resin that most closely matches the natural color of your teeth. We then abrade or etch the surface of the tooth to roughen it and make it easier for the resin to bond. Once prepared, the tooth is coated with a thin layer of conditioning liquid, which helps the resin attach to the tooth. Then we apply the composite resin, molding and smoothing it until it is the proper shape.
Finally, an ultraviolet light or laser is used to harden the resin. After the material has hardened, we polish the resin until it matches your other teeth. The whole procedure usually takes less than an hour, though you may need multiple visits if you need to have more than one tooth done.
Caring for a Bonded Tooth.
For the first 48 hours after the procedure, it is important to avoid eating or drinking any foods that could stain your teeth, such as tea, coffee or cigarettes, as the resin is more susceptible to stains during this period. If you feel sharp edges, changes in your bite, or chips coming off the bonded material after the procedure, contact us immediately.
The composite resin used in tooth bonding is not nearly as strong as the enamel of your natural teeth. For this reason, some extra care needs to be taken. Chewing on hard objects, such as hard candy, fingernails, pen tips or ice cubes, can chip the material. Good oral hygiene, such as brushing and flossing twice daily and scheduling dental cleanings every six months, can help increase the longevity of your dental bonding. A bonded tooth usually lasts 5-10 years before needing repair.
How Much Does It Cost?
The cost of tooth bonding usually ranges between $300-$600 per tooth, depending on the location and extent of the procedure. Check with your insurance before scheduling the procedure, as some insurance providers consider the procedure cosmetic and will not cover the cost.
If you are looking to transform your smile, contact us at Artistic Smiles to see if dental bonding is right for you. Call (818) 930-5647 to schedule your appointment today! |
