For patients that have minor tooth damage or cosmetic dental concerns, Chapel Hill Family and Cosmetic Dentistry can easily correct this with tooth bonding. Teeth bonding is a popular and easy way to transform your smile completely in Durham, NC. Dental bonding is a composite resin that looks similar to a tooth. Our dentist will use it to hide or fix issues with your teeth fully. This treatment is fast and can be completed in a single dentist appointment.
Dr. James Furgurson and Dr. Nathan White are experienced cosmetic dentists who welcome 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.
Why Do I Need Tooth Bonding?
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
Is Tooth Bonding Right For Me?
You may be a candidate for teeth bonding in our Durham, NC dental office if you:
- Have Minor Cosmetic Concerns: We recommend cosmetic bonding for patients who want to fix minor chips or cracks in teeth, small tooth gaps, or single stained teeth. Bonding are not best for large tooth fractures, gaps between teeth, or many stained teeth.
- Have Good Oral Health: Before bonding treatment, we will ensure you are in good oral healht. We will need to treat problems like gum disease or tooth decay beforehand. Then, once you are healthy, we will begin planning your treatment.
- Have a Tight Budget: Bonding is a more economical option than other cosmetic treatments like veneers. In addition, because many patients often use bonding on one or several teeth, it will cost less than treatments that cover all the front teeth.
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 our dentist is happy with the shape and size of the tooth, he 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.
How to Care For Bonded Teeth
Teeth bonding is not as durable as other treatments, such as dental crowns or porcelain veneers. It may need a touch-up and will eventually need to be replaced in about three to ten years. How long dental bonding lasts depends on how well you care for your teeth. They are also more vulnerable to staining from dark foods and drinks.
Follow these tips to care for your bonded teeth:
- Brush and Floss Daily: You can care for your bonded teeth like your natural teeth. When you brush, use a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste with non-abrasive ingredients. Do not brush your teeth aggressively, as this can damage both your bonded teeth and your natural teeth. Floss between your teeth before you brush to remove leftover food.
- Avoid Staining Foods and Drinks: If you enjoy coffee, tea, and soda, we will recommend that you drink these beverages through a straw. Bonding is not as stain-resistant as other options like veneers. Some foods and drinks can change the color of the bonding material. Drinking water after consuming foods and drinks that can stain your teeth will help wash away staining particles from your teeth.
- Avoid Tooth Grinding: Contact us if you notice any signs of teeth clenching or grinding. Also known as bruxism, this is a common sign of TMJ disorders. Teeth grinding can damage your bonding material. We can create a nightguard to protect your teeth.
- Avoid Bad Habits: Do not bite your nails, use your teeth as tools, or chew on ice after you get dental bonding. These bad habits can chip or crack your bonded teeth. You may need to visit our office to repair the damaged material.
- Visit Us For Regular Visits: We recommend that you continue to visit our office twice a year. At these visits, we will ensure your bonded teeth are in good condition. We can also remove and replace the material if needed to maintain the appearance of your teeth.
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 depending on your oral hygiene habits, it should last between five and ten years. Our dental staff will work with you to maximize your dental health benefits and discuss your portion of the total cost.
Get Teeth Bonding
Enhance your natural smile with teeth bonding treatment in Durham, NC. Call 919.736.6175 or schedule an appointment with Dr. Furgurson and Dr. White online. If you have more questions about treatment, please let us know, and we will be happy to help.