Tooth bonding is the process of repairing minor damages on your tooth with tooth-colored resin. The resin is applied over the chip or crack and hardened with ultraviolet light, similar to what is used when you get a dental filling. This method of cosmetic dentistry is best suited for people with minor chips or cracked teeth.
However, it can also be used to fill in small gaps between your teeth or cover up bleach-resistant stains on your tooth’s surface. Our patients love tooth bonding because it is a minimally invasive procedure that only requires a small amount of enamel removal to make space for the resin material. Once applied, you will immediately see the improved aesthetics of your smile.
Tooth Bonding in Peachtree City, GA
Dr. Brian Linton, Dr. Hannah Voelker, and Dr. Frank Rogers are your trusted cosmetic dentists in Peachtree City, GA. For patients with minor chips, cracks, or stains on their teeth, they may suggest tooth bonding as a cosmetic dentistry solution. Here are some frequently asked questions regarding tooth bonding.
How long does tooth bonding last?
The tooth bonding resin will stick to your teeth anywhere from 3 to 10 years depending on your oral hygiene and dietary habits. However, if for any reason your tooth bonding comes off, it is just as simple to touch it up as it is to apply it the first time. Your dentist can also replace dental bonding as many times as you need. The lifespan of a bond is generally 5-10 years. After this period, the bond will need replacing.
Will people be able to notice the resin on my tooth?
No, people will not be able to notice the resin. This is because the resin is color-matched to your tooth so that it blends in seamlessly with the rest of your smile. The material is filed down so that it does not interfere with your bite pattern or feel uncomfortable against your lips. It’s a very discreet method of cosmetic dentistry.
What if the chip or crack on my tooth is too deep to be repaired with tooth bonding?
We offer dental crowns to treat deeper chips or cracks on your tooth. Dental crowns are prosthetic caps that take the place of your tooth while protecting its foundational core. The damaged tooth is shaved down to make space for the crown. Once applied, the dental crown will match your natural tooth’s aesthetics while protecting it from further damage.
Can bonded teeth be whitened?
Bonding material does not respond to whitening solutions like your natural teeth enamel. Bonding cannot be whitened, however, if you choose to whiten your teeth, bonding material may be reapplied and color matched to your newly whitened teeth. This will help ensure that your new composite matches your new teeth perfectly.
How long does tooth bonding take to set?
Your dentist will apply a tooth-colored resin to your teeth and let it harden during dental bonding. The time it takes for this to fully harden is approximately 30-60 minutes.
Does tooth bonding break easily?
It is possible for dental bonding to break, however it is uncommon. The material used for bonding is strong, but it is not quite as strong as your natural tooth enamel, so it is more prone to breakage. If your bonding does break or chip, call our office and we can repair the area using bonding or a different restoration technique.
What can you not do after teeth bonding?
After tooth bonding, patients should avoid eating foods that are particularly hard or require excessive chewing. These include foods such as chips, nuts, hard candy, pretzels, etc. We also recommend that you avoid deeply colored beverages including coffee, wine, soda, sports drinks, and also refrain from tobacco products, as these may stain your bonding.
Do bonded teeth feel different?
At first your dental bond may feel different. Our mouths are extremely sensitive to change, so it is common to feel like something is foreign or off is inside of your mouth. It will take time for you to adjust to the feeling of the bond, but it should begin to feel like a normal part of your mouth after about two weeks.