Even small problems with your teeth, like stains, chips, or cracks, can affect the way your smile looks. We have affordable and minimally invasive cosmetic dentistry treatments if these issues make you feel shy or less confident. Dr. James Furgurson and Dr. Nathan White can correct minor tooth damage and cosmetic dental concerns using cosmetic teeth bonding in Chapel Hill, NC.
Dental bonding is a fast and affordable cosmetic dentistry treatment that we can complete in a single visit to our Chapel Hill dental office. It is often the best treatment option for young patients or adults not ready for porcelain veneers or other permanent treatments.
What Can Bonding Treat?
Tooth bonding is a cosmetic solution for minor dental damage. This treatment uses tooth-colored resin material similar to dental fillings to improve the appearance of teeth. Our dentist will apply the bonding material to the tooth’s surface and then sculpt and shape it into the proper form. The material is color-matched to the rest of your teeth, so your smile appears uniform and natural.
Teeth bonding can treat:
- Chipped teeth
- Cracked teeth
- Discolored or yellow teeth
- Tooth stains
- Misshapen teeth
- Gaps between teeth, diastemas
The Tooth Bonding Procedure
If you have a chipped, stained, or damaged tooth, it’s important to have it checked by a dentist. Some issues are minor, but others could be signs of a bigger problem. Your Chapel Hill dentist will examine your tooth and let you know if bonding is the right choice. If not, Dr. Furgurson will recommend another treatment to help fix your tooth and protect your smile.
Tooth bonding is a quick and easy treatment that usually only takes one visit to our Chapel Hill dental office.
Color-Matching and Tooth Preparation
The first step is picking a resin color that matches your natural teeth. Dr. Furgurson will color-match the bonding material to your desired tooth shade. Then, he’ll gently roughen the surface of your tooth and apply a special liquid to help the bonding material stick.
Shaping and Curing
Next, Dr. Furgurson places the tooth-colored resin onto the tooth and shapes it to look natural. He uses a special light to harden the resin. Then, he’ll trim and smooth the bonding so it looks and feels just like a real tooth.
The whole visit usually takes about an hour or less. Most people don’t need numbing because the procedure is simple and painless. If any enamel needs to be removed, it’s very little.
Aftercare: Tooth Bonding
Follow these steps to maintain teeth bonding in Chapel Hill, NC:
Brush and Floss Every Day
Good oral hygiene helps your bonded teeth last longer. Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once a day. Be gentle when you brush. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and nonabrasive toothpaste so you don’t damage the bonding material. Keeping your mouth clean helps prevent cavities and keeps your bonding in good shape.
Protect Your Teeth from Damage
The resin used in tooth bonding is strong, but it can still chip or crack. Try not to bite down on hard objects like ice, pens, or fingernails. If you play sports, wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth. If you grind your teeth at night, our dentist may suggest a nightguard to prevent damage while you sleep.
Visit the Dentist Twice a Year
Regular dental checkups and cleanings are important for keeping your bonded teeth healthy. Dr. Furgurson can check for any wear or damage and make sure everything looks good. If you notice any problems, like a chip or rough edge, don’t wait. Schedule an appointment so we can help.