Maybe you just have a stubborn dark spot, extra space between a couple of teeth, or one little chip. Or maybe your cosmetic concerns are a bit more serious, but you don’t have time for a full smile makeover. Shouldn’t there be a fast and affordable way to touch up your smile without committing to a major treatment? There is! Dental bonding is available right here in Pflugerville from cosmetic dentist Dr. Lakshay Sharma.
If you’ve ever gotten a tooth-colored dental filling, you have a good idea of the bonding procedure. The composite bonding material is the same tooth-colored resin we fill cavities with. The process is also quite similar, except that instead of treating cavities, we are reshaping teeth.
The bonding material is applied directly to the tooth surface, shaped, hardened, and then polished to a gorgeous sheen. The bonding procedure is completed in a single appointment, often taking less than an hour. Results typically last from three to ten years, possibly longer, with good oral hygiene.
Although usually considered a cosmetic dental procedure, tooth bonding can also repair some minor damage. It is one of the most versatile techniques available. Common uses include:
Tooth bonding for gaps or other cosmetic concerns is a conservative, noninvasive procedure, so virtually anyone is a potential candidate. However, depending on your goals and priorities, you may want to consider an alternative such as veneers. Dental porcelain has the advantage of being longer-lasting, and more stain-resistant. Composite resin bonding is faster and more economical.
Dr. Sharma will explain these and other differences during your consultation, helping you select the best solution for your unique needs. Please feel free to ask questions and explain your treatment goals. Just call Elite Smiles of Pflugerville to schedule.
No, most patients do not find a dental bonding procedure painful because only the surface of the tooth is being treated. After the procedure is finished, some patients may experience mild tooth sensitivity as their teeth adjust, but this is typically easily controlled with over-the-counter pain relievers and usually fades in a few days.
With regular brushing and flossing paired with regular checkups, most patients can expect their dental bonding results to last up to 10 years.
No, they won't. Dr. Sharma chooses a bonding shade that will match the natural color of your teeth in addition to shaping and contouring the final results — so they look naturally beautiful.
Dental bonding is an effective way to address a wide variety of dental problems, including chips, cracks, stains, discoloration, unevenness, gaps, and more.
Dental bonding doesn't take long at all, often able to be finished in about an hour or less.