Your smile is the first thing people will notice about you. If you have blemishes on your teeth, this can distract from the overall beauty of smile. Luckily Dental Excellence offers effective cosmetic dentistry treatments to fix your teeth. Minor chips, cracks, gaps, and bleach-resistant stains can be concealed with teeth bonding in Towson, MD. This popular cosmetic treatment involves using a tooth-colored resin material to fix the blemish on the tooth.
Teeth Bonding in Towson, MD
Dr. Ousborne and Dr. Esterson are experienced Towson, MD cosmetic dentists. Together, they provide high-quality cosmetic dentistry solutions including teeth bonding. Dental bonding is a great cosmetic dentistry treatment to correct minor cosmetic concerns. More complex or serious tooth damage will require a more permanent treatment such as dental crowns or porcelain veneers. However, teeth bonding is a great option to restore form, function, and appearance to your teeth if you suffer from:
- Small gaps between your teeth
- A small chip to a tooth
- Small cavities
- Minor tooth damage
- Slightly misshapen teeth
- A tooth that is too small and you want it to appear longer
- Stained, discolored, or yellow teeth that do not respond to teeth whitening
The Benefits of Dental Bonding
There are many benefits to choosing dental bonding over other cosmetic procedures. Teeth bonding is very affordable and your dentist can complete it in just one dentist appointment.
Dental bonding is not a permanent treatment because it does not alter the tooth. This allows your dentist to complete a more permanent treatment in the future. Other treatments such as porcelain veneers are more expensive, however they will also last much longer. We often recommend tooth bonding for children who are not ready for a permanent treatment like dental veneers.
Teeth Bonding: How it Works
The material used in bonding is similar to material used for dental fillings. It tooth colored and will blend in naturally with the rest of the teeth.
The dental bonding process is typically fast and simple. The proceure involves applying a tooth-colored resin material using adhesives and a curing light. Dr. Ousborne or Dr. Esterson will begin the procedure by selecting a resin color that closely matches the natural color of your teeth. Color selection will ensure the bonding material blends in perfectly with your other teeth for a natural-looking finish.
Preparing your tooth to receive the bonding material is the next step in the procedure. This step is typically not invasive, involving only lightly etching the surface of the tooth. Etching will roughen up the tooth, allowing the bonding material to adhere to the tooth better.
Dr. Ousborne or Dr. Esterson will apply the resin material to the tooth and shape it by hand to hide any tooth imperfections. Your dentist will smooth out the material until it reaches the perfect shape. A high-intensity light will be used to cure and harden the resin quickly. Finally, your dentist will make any finishing touches, trim any excess material off, and clean and polish the tooth to match the sheen of the rest of your natural teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions about Teeth Bonding
Dental bonding is a great procedure for minor tooth damage. You may have several questions about what it can treat, who it can treat, and other general questions about tooth bonding. Read through our frequently asked questions section and contact us if have more questions or concerns.
How long will teeth bonding last?
The resin material used during your teeth bonding appointment is long-lasting, but not permanent. You will need to have the bonding solution reapplied over time. Most patients will enjoy years of improved smile aesthetics utilizing teeth bonding material before needing a touch-up procedure.
Is teeth bonding a painful procedure?
No, teeth bonding is not a painful procedure. In fact, most patients will not experience any pain or discomfort during their teeth bonding appointment. The procedure is minimally invasive and can be completed during one dentist appointment. Only a small amount of enamel is removed to make space for the resin material.
Will dental insurance cover this procedure?
If you need teeth bonding for restorative purposes, then your insurance will likely offer coverage. Restoring a tooth means treatment is necessary to protect the tooth and prevent further damage. However, dental insurance will likely not cover the procedure if it is for cosmetic purposes. An example would be bonding a discolored tooth.
Can my child get teeth bonding?
Dental bonding is a great solution for children and teens that have slight teeth damage or aesthetic issues. As a non-invasive cosmetic treatment, there is minimal the prep work involved rendering it the perfect treatment for younger patients. As your child ages and grows, they may require some adjustments to the bonded tooth or it may need to be replaced altogether.
Are there any alternatives to tooth bonding?
In the event that dental bonding cannot quite meet your needs, there are several alternatives you can choose from. Your alternative options include porcelain veneers, dental crowns, and teeth whitening procedures. These cosmetic and restorative dentistry options are designed to tackle similar problems that bonding can fix. Dental veneers and crowns provide a more permanent solution and can typically solve more complex issues. Teeth whitening can whiten teeth that are yellow, stained, or discolored.
Do you recommend dental teeth bonding to fix crooked teeth?
Dental bonding is not the best treatment for orthodontic issues and we will only use it fix teeth that are not significantly crooked. Severe misalignment or complex orthodontic issues should be corrected with braces or clear aligners. However, if your teeth are slightly crooked, we can apply some resin to them to make them appear straight.
Is teeth bonding the best treatment to close gaps between my teeth.
Dr. Ousborne and Dr. Esterson will use dental bonding to close small gaps between teeth. They can place the bonding material on the sides of each tooth to effectively close the gap. Bonding is a great option to help your smile look more uniform by closing small gaps.
Achieve Your Dream Smile in Towson, MD
From routine general dental care to advanced treatment options, experience the difference that our approach to excellence in dentistry can make in the health of your smile. Don’t let minor blemishes on your dental structures distract from the overall beauty of your smile. Schedule a cosmetic consultation at Dental Excellence: Advanced Prosthodontics and Dentistry of Towson today and find out if teeth bonding solutions are right for your smile.