Do you have a chipped or broken tooth? Is a single discolored tooth impacting the look of your smile? Dental bonding is a popular cosmetic dentistry treatment that can address these problems, from stained enamel to damaged teeth.
Dr. Michael Sesi and the team at Clarkston Dental Care offer teeth bonding in Clarkston, MI. Dental bonding is a quick and affordable way to fix minor tooth defects and improve the aesthetics of the overall smile. The procedure is very safe and pain-free, and very few risks are involved.
What is Dental Bonding?
Bonding treatment uses tooth-colored porcelain or composite resin to cover cosmetic imperfections. It benefits patients with minor imperfections in their smiles, including single discolored or chipped teeth.
We offer direct composite bonding, a more affordable alternative to dental veneers. It is a minimally invasive treatment that does not require a lot of tooth preparation. The material is highly malleable, allowing the dentist to shape it into the desired shape by hand. Direct bonding adds structure to broken teeth and changes the color of discolored teeth. Dental bonding material can easily blend in with natural teeth for a seamless result.
What Can Teeth Bonding Fix?
Dr. Sesi is a skilled cosmetic dentist who can use teeth bonding to repair minor tooth damage or improve a tooth’s appearance. This effective treatment can restore a tooth’s shape and appearance in a single visit. Dr. Sesi will suggest tooth bonding to address the following dental concerns:
- Stained or yellow teeth
- Chipped and broken teeth
- Small gaps between teeth
- Misshapen teeth
- Cavities and missing parts of a tooth
- Cover exposed tooth roots
Teeth Bonding Treatment in Clarkston, MI
Before your treatment, we ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy. Cosmetic dental treatments like tooth bonding are best for patients who are in good oral health but require treatment to improve the aesthetics of their smiles. We will also clean and prepare your teeth for the bonding material.
The bonding material is a malleable composite that color-matches your natural enamel. We mold and sculpt the composite onto each tooth, creating a natural shape. Then, we ensure the material is in the correct shape and shade before curing it with a special light. The curing light hardens the material. Finally, we polish each treated tooth to a high shine.
Directly after your bonding treatment, avoid foods and drinks that easily stain. Coffee, tea, wine, berries, and tomatoes can affect the bonding material. Additionally, brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Hard-bristled brushes and abrasive toothpaste can damage your newly bonded teeth.
Maintaining Your Smile After Dental Bonding
Proper care of your teeth following dental bonding is vital to maintaining the desired results. When handled with care, the bonding material can last several years without needing touch-ups.
In the first 48 hours after your treatment, you should avoid consuming substances such as coffee, tea, tobacco, or anything else that may stain the resin. After this early period, we suggest that you limit your intake of these substances to increase the longevity of your treatment.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial in prolonging the appearance and strength of your teeth bonding treatment. This includes brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing daily, and scheduling regular dental check-ups to monitor the condition of your bonded teeth. Also, if you notice any issues with the treated teeth, you need to address them promptly.
It is important to note that although bonded teeth are durable, it is best to avoid chewing on hard objects like ice, pen caps, or hard candy, as they can chip the bonding material. Furthermore, teeth grinding or blows to the mouth can damage or chip the bonding material. In such cases, using a nightguard or a sports mouthguard will help prevent accidents.
The Benefits of Teeth Bonding
Tooth bonding offers several benefits for people looking for a quick and cheap treatment to improve their smile. The key benefits of dental bonding include:
- Natural-looking Results: We will color-match the composite resin to blend in with your natural teeth.
- Smile Enhancement: Teeth bonding can fix minor tooth defects to improve the aesthetics of your smile.
- Non-invasive Procedure: The procedure is very simple, does not require much tooth preparation, and patients do not require anesthetic.
- Fast and Efficient Treatment: Your dentist can complete the tooth bonding procedure in one visit.
- Versatile Cosmetic Treatment: Dental bonding can address many types of dental concerns.
Are There Alternatives to Teeth Bonding?
Dental bonding is a great option for an affordable, reversible solution. There are more permanent solutions available to enhance the look of your teeth. Dr. Sesi also offers several other cosmetic dentistry solutions, each with pros and cons. After your consultation, he will advise you on the best treatment.
- Porcelain Veneers are customized thin porcelain shells placed on the front surface of teeth. They are more resistant to staining and have better durability than dental bonding. They can also address a wider range of cosmetic concerns. However, they require more tooth preparation, including the removal of tooth enamel. To learn more about the dental veneers process, see Porcelain Veneers.
- Dental Crown: These restorations cover the entire tooth to the gum line. Dr. Sesi uses them for severely damaged or decayed teeth to improve their appearance and provide more strength and longevity. However, he can also use them for teeth that have permanent stains. Your dentist must reduce the size of the entire tooth to accommodate the crown. To learn more about the advantages of a dental crown, see Dental Crown.
Teeth Bonding FAQs
Dental bonding is a versatile, affordable dental treatment. Read the answers to these commonly asked questions to learn more.
How long does it take to get a dental bond?
Dental bonding is a pretty quick procedure. Bonding a single tooth in our office only takes 30-60 minutes. This can make it preferable to porcelain veneers, which require multiple sessions. There’s no significant preparation, either, so you can return to work or school after the bonding process.
When can I eat after getting a tooth bonded?
When we bond teeth, we harden the resin and polish it while you’re in the office. Since we cure it there, you don’t have to worry about eating or drinking after the procedure. You can eat immediately. We recommend avoiding hard or crunchy foods if possible or at least biting down directly with your bonded tooth.
Are there things I can’t do with dental bonding?
Yes. Bonding material stains easier than porcelain, so we recommend using a straw if you frequently drink things like red wine and coffee. You should also avoid biting down directly with the bonded tooth and not chew on hard or crunchy foods with that tooth. Don’t try to open packages or bite your nails with the bonded tooth because these things can chip or loosen the bonding material.
Does dental bonding hurt?
No, this is a comfortable process. At most, you’ll experience some tooth sensitivity for a few days after the procedure. While we don’t remove any significant tooth structure, we do roughen the surface of your tooth so that the bonding material can adhere better. If you have sensitivity, it should go away after a few days.
Can tooth bonding damage my teeth?
No. It’s a minimally invasive procedure that only requires roughening the tooth’s surface. However, it’s important to keep up with your oral healthcare routine. The tooth structure under the bonding material is still susceptible to tooth decay. It can compromise the foundation of the bonding material.
Am I a good candidate for tooth bonding?
One of the best things about dental bonding is that almost anyone is a good candidate. It’s temporary and removable, making it a possibility for children. It’s also one of the most affordable treatment options, so patients without insurance coverage don’t have to worry about an expensive procedure. If you have oral health issues like gum disease, we may need to treat them before we proceed with bonding treatment.
Schedule a Dental Appointment Today for Teeth Bonding in Clarkston, MI
Are you interested in tooth bonding treatment? Call 248-985-2906 or request an appointment with us on our website. Please let our dentists know if you have questions about your treatment options or current oral health concerns. We are always here to help our patients.