Cavities can be identified by your dentist during an exam and when evaluating your x-rays. Once tooth decay is found, your dentist will develop a treatment plan based on the location of the decay and the type of restoration recommended. If caught early, cavities can be treated easily with a minimal amount of tooth structure removed. When ignored and left untreated, decay can lead to unnecessary pain and more costly treatment like root canals or crowns. Fillings, like our natural teeth, need to be maintained with a healthy diet, brushing, flossing in-between teeth, and regular dental check-ups.
Dental Bonding may be used in combination with orthodontics to achieve a patient’s dream smile. It is very helpful in closing gaps between teeth to create the ideal tooth size or shape before or after orthodontics. Bonding resin can also be used to cover up or fill black triangles in areas of gum recession after the teeth are straightened with orthodontics.
Because bonded resin can be highly polished, it is often used as an alternative to more costly esthetic treatments like crowns or veneers. It is generally a non-invasive procedure meaning that little to no tooth structure is removed in esthetic cases. This means that cosmetic dental bonding is also reversible in many cases! The same cannot be said for ceramic, or porcelain, veneers or cosmetic crowns, where natural tooth structure must be removed during the process. Bonding can be used to improve the appearance of an individual tooth or the overall smile. You may have heard the term “composite veneer”. This refers to using a dental bonding technique with composite resin to cover the entire front surface of your tooth.
Bonding is long lasting if maintained properly. Dental bonding occasionally may need to be replaced completely over time if it breaks down. Bonding is not as resistant as crowns or veneers to stress on the teeth, which is why it may need to be replaced more often. Dental bonding does need to be cared for with regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental exams. Often, a night guard is recommended after completing bonding procedures, to protect your teeth and bonding from chipping and breaking down as a result of grinding your teeth.
Dental bonding may be covered by dental insurance, but it depends on your specific plan and whether the procedure is considered medically necessary or cosmetic. Many insurance plans will help cover dental bonding if it’s needed to repair a chipped tooth, fill a cavity, or protect an exposed root. However, if bonding is done purely for cosmetic reasons, like closing gaps or reshaping a tooth, insurance coverage may be limited or not included.
Yes, tooth bonding is a safe and effective cosmetic dental treatment when performed by experienced professionals like the team at Garden Ridge Center of Dentistry. The procedure uses a biocompatible, tooth-colored composite resin that is carefully applied and hardened to your teeth to restore their appearance and function without harming healthy tooth structure.
While dental bonding provides long-lasting results, it is not considered completely permanent. Bonded restorations typically last between 3 to 10 years depending on factors like oral hygiene, diet, and habits such as teeth grinding. With proper care and regular dental check-ups, your dental bonding can maintain its natural look and durability for many years. If any repairs are needed, bonding can be easily touched up or replaced by your dentist.
Dental bonding is suitable for most patients once their permanent teeth have fully erupted and their jaw growth is mostly complete, which usually occurs during the teenage years. This ensures the bonding material adheres properly and lasts longer.
Before your procedure, we’ll carefully evaluate your dental development and overall oral health to determine the best timing for dental bonding. Whether you’re a teen or an adult, skilled team can help enhance your smile with safe and effective bonding treatments.
Proper care is essential to keep your dental bonding looking natural and lasting longer! We recommend brushing twice daily with a non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Avoid biting hard objects like ice or pens, as bonding material can chip or crack. Limiting stain-causing foods and drinks such as coffee, tea, and red wine can also help preserve the color of your bonding. Regular dental check-ups allow our team to monitor and polish your bonding as needed, ensuring your smile stays bright and beautiful for years to come.
