Cosmetic Bonding

Have you always felt insecure about your smile and didn’t have the time or money to get it fixed? A simple procedure like cosmetic dental bonding could get you that brilliant five-star smile without having to go under.

It’s a cosmetic dental procedure involving the application of a custom-composite resin to damaged teeth. Tooth bonding is cheaper than other cosmetic dental procedures. It’s considered more cost-effective and less invasive than crowns and veneers.

Cosmetic bonding repairs a variety of common appearance complications, including:

• Tooth decay
• Cracked or chipped teeth
• Discoloration
• Spaced teeth
• Short teeth
• Irregularly shaped teeth
• Protecting exposed roots
• Replacing amalgam

The length of the cosmetic dental bonding procedure depends on how many teeth are being repaired. Unlike veneers, the dentist can finish the cosmetic bonding process in a single visit.

Little to no preparation is necessary for the process. Clean, flossed teeth before the visit are all you need on your end. The dentist picks a color to match your teeth and prepares the bonding resin into the desired shape. No anesthesia is necessary unless the area requiring repair is near a nerve.

The first step of the procedure is roughening the tooth’s surface. The dentist then uses a conditioning fluid to help the resin stick. The molten resin is then applied to your tooth and molded into shape. Afterwards, the dentist shines a bright UVA wave light to harden the resin into place quickly.

Mild tooth sensitivity is normal a few days after the bonding procedure. Over-the-counter painkillers should help with sensitivity alongside proper care for the bonded teeth. Some self-care tips are:

• Brushing and flossing daily
• Avoiding ice, hard food, and candy
• Avoiding foods that can cause stains a few days after the procedure
• Regular visits to the dentist

The resin used in the tooth bonding procedure isn’t as sturdy as your natural teeth. Avoid anything that may damage your teeth, such as chewing on your nails or hard objects like pens. Grinding your teeth may also cause damage to the bonding resin. A mouth guard at night may slow down the wear and tear.

Cosmetic bonding is the simplest and least expensive appearance-enhancing dental procedure. The dentist can do it in-house within one visit as the process takes 30-60 minutes per tooth. Unless tooth shaving is necessary to remove the enamel, anesthesia isn’t required.

Although somewhat stain-resistant, the bonding resin used in the procedure doesn’t resist stains as actively as crowns. The resin also doesn’t last as long as other restorative materials used in crowns, veneers, or fillings. It can chip or break off easily as it is not nearly as strong.

Q: How long can dental bonding last?

A: Well-installed dental bonding lasts four to eight years before requiring replacement. It may last longer if you take care not to damage or stain it. However, if you seek a more permanent solution, porcelain veneers may serve your needs better.

Q: Are there any risks associated with cosmetic bonding?

A: Cosmetic bonding is a minimally invasive procedure and poses zero risk to your oral health. The feedback from most patients is positive after a procedure. However, as the bonding resin may chip or stain with time, be sure to discuss the pros and cons with your dentist before the procedure.

Q: How much does cosmetic bonding cost?

A: Cosmetic teeth bonding costs depend on location, dentist expertise, and damage extent. On average, tooth bonding costs are $300 to $600 per tooth.

Get emergency cosmetic bonding services in Lehi, UT, from Aspen Heights Dental. Contact us today to learn about our same-day cosmetic bonding services.