Unlike some other treatments, such as veneers, dental bonding requires no removal of any enamel, so it’s non-invasive and does not require a numbing shot.
Dental bonding is inexpensive compared to veneers, and along with other treatments like shaping & contouring (enameloplasty) and teeth whitening, it can completely restore your smile.
Contact Vivid Smiles today to get a consultation with Dr. Paruchuri or Dr. Sahai, and learn more about dental bonding, as well as other cosmetic dentistry options like veneers and cosmetic crowns.
Dental bonding is a cosmetic dentistry procedure that uses dental resin to restore and reshape your teeth. A tooth-colored bonding material is applied directly to the surface of your tooth, and Dr. Paruchuri or Dr. Sahai will shape and sculpt the resin with special dental tools, and harden it with a UV light.
The result is a tooth that looks completely natural. The resin is selected so that it blends in with the surrounding tooth. The entire process is quite fast, too, taking only about 30-60 minutes per tooth, so multiple teeth can be treated in a single appointment at Vivid Smiles.
Dental bonding is highly versatile. It’s commonly used to treat gaps in the smile, minor chips to the teeth, misshapen or uneven teeth, and stained teeth. If you have these cosmetic issues with your smile, dental bonding may be a good option.
However, it is important to note that dental bonding cannot be used if your tooth is seriously damaged. If it has been severely chipped or broken, the tooth will need to be repaired with other restorative dentistry procedures such as a crown and/or root canal. Your teeth must be healthy and strong before you can get cosmetic dental treatment.
As long as your mouth is healthy and free of chronic oral diseases like gum disease and tooth decay, you are likely a good candidate for dental bonding. We recommend scheduling a consultation at Vivid Smiles to learn more about this procedure and your other options for cosmetic dentistry in Terre Haute.
You can care for your bonded tooth just like you would care for a natural tooth. You should continue to brush your teeth twice per day and floss once per day, and make sure to come to Vivid Smiles every six months for a teeth cleaning and oral exam.
In addition, we recommend that you avoid using your teeth as “tools.” Don’t rip open packages or tear tape using your teeth. You also should not chew on non-food objects like fingernails, pens, or pencils.
Finally, it’s best to avoid chewing very hard foods like almonds, popcorn kernels, and ice with your bonded teeth. This will help prevent damage and ensure they last for years to come.
Routine checkups usually start with an initial exam performed by your dental hygienist, who will look for any signs of dental issues. Next, your hygienist will remove any plaque and tartar from your teeth and they will be cleaned and polished using professional-grade tools. When your teeth are clean, one of our dentists will thoroughly examine your teeth and gums, and we may recommend x-rays to ensure that any small dental issues are caught before they become bigger problems.
The best way to keep your teeth and gums healthy between visits is to brush and floss properly. For optimal dental health, you should brush at least twice a day for two minutes, ideally in the morning when you wake up and at night, before bed. You should also floss once per day to remove food and debris from between your teeth. Brushing alone is not enough to remove all of the material that can cause tooth decay and gum disease, and flossing every day will help you avoid gum disease.
According to the American Dental Association, you should see the dentist for a cleaning and oral exam every six months. Coming in regularly ensures that we can remove plaque and tartar as it builds up in your mouth, which helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease. It also lets us keep an eye on your oral health and any potential areas of concern, and recognize early signs of oral health issues.
If you have gum disease or another oral health issue that requires more attention, you may need to come in more frequently and have your teeth and gums professionally cleaned every 3 months. For more information, consult with one of our dentists!