Gentle Care Dentistry & Implants
General Dentist & Dental Implant Provider located in Sierra Vista, AZ
Dental Bonding in Sierra Vista, AZ
Affordable Cosmetic Dentistry With Dr. Kent Hales
Dental bonding is a cosmetic dentistry procedure that can improve the look of your smile by repairing minor cosmetic imperfections. At Gentle Care Dentistry and Implants in Sierra Vista, AZ, Dr. Kent Hales uses dental bonding to help patients achieve the beautiful, functional smile they deserve. This affordable, non-invasive treatment gives patients the stunning smiles they deserve without invasive treatments or changes to the enamel.
Call (520) 458-9460 to schedule a consultation at Gentle Care Dentistry and Implants.
What Is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding is a cosmetic dental procedure that uses composite resin to repair and enhance the appearance of teeth, addressing issues such as:
- Chips
- Cracks
- Discoloration
- Gaps
The resin bonds to the existing enamel and can be sculpted and hardened with a special light to reshape teeth or cover imperfections. Dental bonding is considered a minimally invasive option. It usually doesn’t require anesthesia and can often be completed in just one visit.
Composite Resin
Composite resin is a tooth-colored material used in dental bonding to create a natural and long-lasting restoration, also known as tooth-colored composite resin. Dental bonding materials can:
- Repair chips
- Substitute decayed areas
- Fill cavities
- Serve as a substitute for dental veneers or crowns
Employing composite resin in bonding has emerged as a successful approach to help patients fix many cosmetic dental problems, delivering both aesthetic appeal and durability.
Benefits of Dental Bonding
There are many advantages to choosing dental bonding, including:
- Repairing chips, cracks, gaps, or worn edges on teeth
- Reshaping uneven or irregularly shaped teeth
- Closing small spaces between teeth
- Covering permanently stained or discolored teeth
- Protecting exposed tooth roots due to gum recession
- Creating a uniform smile line or symmetry between teeth
- Making teeth appear longer or more rounded
- Improving the color and brightness of teeth
At Gentle Care Dentistry, we use bonding to give patients a complete smile makeover without the aggressive removal of natural tooth structure required for crowns or veneers. Bonding is an affordable and durable solution for minor to moderate imperfections.
When is Dental Bonding Recommended?
Dental bonding may be particularly beneficial for cosmetic dental issues that do not necessitate substantial restorative work. It’s recommended that patients considering this treatment should have healthy teeth without considerable decay or trauma and teeth with roots and enamel in good condition.
Dental bonding is a secure choice for those with healthy teeth and gums. However, those with severe tooth decay, gum disease, or other oral health issues may need other treatments, such as dental implants or periodontal care.
The Dental Bonding Process at Gentle Care Dentistry and Implants
Preparing the Tooth Surface
To ensure successful bonding, Dr. Hales and his team will clean the tooth surface to help the bonding material effectively adhere. We’ll prepare the tooth for the bonding procedure by applying a conditioning liquid or by lightly etching the tooth to create a roughened surface.
Applying and Shaping the Composite Resin
During the dental bonding procedure, you’ll choose the shade of resin that best suits your natural smile. The composite resin is then applied as a pliable, putty-like material over the tooth. Dr. Hales skillfully molds and shapes the resin to enhance the aesthetic appeal of tooth bonding.
The resin is hardened using ultraviolet light to ensure a restoration that’s as strong as your natural teeth with a natural-looking appearance.
Curing and Polishing the Bonded Tooth
Curing and polishing a bonded tooth involves a specialized light to harden the resin, followed by Dr. Hales polishing the tooth to achieve a smooth and natural finish.
The composite resin is applied to the tooth and hardened with a special curing light. Upon completion, the bonded tooth is polished to achieve a smooth and natural finish.
Caring For Your Dental Bonding Results
Proper bonding care and oral hygiene will help your new smile last many years. Here are some tips to help you keep your bonding healthy and beautiful:
- Avoid eating hard or sticky foods such as ice, nuts, and hard candies for at least a week. These can damage or dislodge freshly placed bonding material.
- Brush bonded teeth gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste. Avoid vigorous brushing motions. Floss carefully.
- Use mouthwash for the first few days to help control bacteria while the bonding material hardens.
- Avoid smoking or drinking stain-causing liquids like coffee, tea, or red wine for 48 hours to prevent discoloration of the bonding material.
- Don’t bite your fingernails or chew on pens, which can chip or fracture bonding.
- Wear a mouthguard if you grind your teeth at night to prevent bonding damage.
- See Dr. Painter every six months for bonding evaluations and call immediately if you notice any problems like fractures, roughness, or bonding loss.
- Practice good oral hygiene with regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings to maximize the longevity of bonded teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions
With proper care, bonding can last five to seven years or longer before repairs or replacement may be needed. Avoid chewing hard foods, grinding your teeth, and biting your nails to help bonding last.
Yes, bonding can be placed on the front and back teeth. Back teeth bonding is often done for cosmetic reasons or to protect areas prone to decay.
Bonding materials can become stained from foods, drinks, and smoking, just like natural teeth. Avoiding staining substances and maintaining good oral hygiene helps prevent stains.
Bonding is typically considered a cosmetic procedure. Most insurance plans don’t cover cosmetic treatments, but they may make an exception for cosmetic procedures with restorative purposes. Your dentist can give you an estimate of out-of-pocket costs at your consultation.
Improve Your Smile with Bonding in Sierra Vista!
If you’re unhappy with cracked, chipped, stained, or misshapen teeth, dental bonding from Gentle Care Dentistry provides an affordable way to transform your smile. Dr. Kent Hales has years of cosmetic dentistry experience and takes great care to ensure you receive natural-looking, durable dental bonding that enhances and protects your smile.
Contact our Sierra Vista office today at (520) 458-9460 to schedule your dental bonding consultation. Our friendly staff looks forward to welcoming you!