For patients that have minor tooth damage or cosmetic dental concerns, Chapel Hill Family & Cosmetic Dentistry can easily correct this with tooth bonding. Teeth bonding is a popular and easy way to completely transform your smile. Dental bonding is a composite resin that looks similar to a tooth. Your dentist will use it to fully hide or fix issues with your teeth. This treatment is fast and can be completed in a single dentist appointment.
Dr. James Furgurson and Dr. Nathan White are experienced cosmetic dentists and are welcoming patients from Durham, NC who want to improve the appearance of their teeth. With this treatment, they have helped many patients correct their dental concerns and achieve a natural looking smile.
Your dentist will use dental bonding to treat a number of restorative and cosmetic issues. Sometimes it may seem unnecessary to treat such small issues like minor chips or cracks but it is actually important for your oral health. It will prevent further damage to the tooth and help you chew properly. Dr. Furgurson or Dr. White may recommend teeth bonding to correct:
- Damaged, chipped or cracked teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Discolored or stained teeth
- Misshapen teeth
- A tooth cavity
Dental Bonding: What to expect
Dental bonding is a fairly simple procedure and will only require a single visit to our Durham, NC area dentist office. Dr. Furgurson or Dr. White may use teeth bonding as part of entire smile makeover along with other cosmetic or restorative treatments.
During your appointment, your dentist will first prepare the tooth (or teeth). Anesthesia is not necessary unless you will be receiving a tooth filling as well. This step involves roughing the surface tooth and applying a bonding agent. Creating a rough surface on the portion of the tooth will help the composite adhere to the tooth better.
Dr. Furgurson or Dr. White will then apply the tooth-colored composite resin directly to the tooth. They will need to sculpt the material into the desired shape and size by hand. Once your dentist is happy with the shape and size of the tooth, they will cure the material in place with an ultraviolet light. When the composite has cured, your dentist will trim, shape and polish it to match the sheen of the rest of the tooth surface.
Teeth bonding is not as durable as other treatments such as dental crowns or porcelain veneers. They may need a touch up and will eventually need replaced in about three to ten years. How long it lasts is dependent on how well you care for your teeth. They are also more vulnerable to staining from dark foods and drinks.
How much does teeth bonding cost?
If you need teeth bonding for restorative purposes, such as tooth decay or damage, then it will likely be covered by dental insurance. If you choose to have a tooth treated for cosmetic purposes, then you will have to pay out of pocket. The average cost for one tooth is about $300-$600 and should last between five and ten years, depending on your oral hygiene habits. Our dental staff will work with you to maximize your dental health benefits and discuss your portion of the total cost.