If you want to improve your smile, we offer various cosmetic services, including tooth bonding. Dental bonding is a fast, affordable treatment usually completed in a single visit to Dr. Blaylock’s Durham cosmetic dentist office.
Tooth Bonding in Durham, NC
Dr. Blaylock, your trusted dentist in Durham, NC, offers dental bonding for children and adults. It is minimally invasive and can usually be completed in a single visit.
Dental bonding may also be combined with other cosmetic dentistry procedures and as part of a smile design. It can be both a cosmetic and restorative dental treatment that can be used to:
- Repair chipped or cracked teeth
- Improve the appearance of discolored teeth
- Close spaces and gaps between teeth
- Make teeth look longer
- Improve the shape of teeth
About the Tooth Bonding Procedure
Receiving a dental bonding is a fairly quick procedure, and patients can usually receive it in just one short visit to our dentist office. It takes less than an hour to complete. Teeth require minimal preparation for a dental bonding procedure. Anesthesia is often unnecessary unless the bonding is filling a decayed tooth. Dr. Blaylock will select a composite resin color that will closely match the color of your natural teeth for virtually unnoticeable treatment.
The surface of the tooth will be roughened slightly, and a conditioning liquid will be applied to help the resin adhere to the tooth. The tooth-colored, putty-like resin will then be applied, molded, and smoothed to the desired shape.
Bonding requires the precision and artistic ability of a skilled cosmetic dentist like Dr. Blaylock since the work is freehand without molds or impressions. Next, he hardens the material by ultraviolet light or laser. Once the composite has cured, Dr. Blaylock will trim, shape, and polish it to match the sheen of the rest of the tooth surface.
Dental bonding is ideal because almost any patient is eligible for it. It costs less than other solutions, and it’s a removable treatment option, meaning that it’s fine for children as well. Typically, bonding can perform the same functions as porcelain veneers. If you’re unsure whether a porcelain veneer is right for you, bonding can be a good way to do a trial run before a permanent option.
Cost of Tooth Bonding
At your consultation, we will discuss all aspects of your tooth bonding procedure, including cost, before your treatment. Dental insurance often covers tooth bonding when addressing tooth damage or health concerns. Dental insurance may not cover the procedure when used for cosmetic reasons. This treatment is an economical alternative to getting dental veneers.
You can expect to spend anywhere from $250 to $600 per tooth, but the final cost will vary depending on your specific needs, the tooth’s condition, how many teeth need to be treated, and the amount of each tooth needing to be repaired. You should check with your dental insurance provider to see if you are eligible for coverage.
Tooth Bonding FAQs
How long does tooth bonding last?
Typically, bonding material lasts from three to about ten years before your dentist needs to touch it up or replace it, depending on the amount of bonding and your oral habits.
What are the alternatives to tooth bonding?
Cosmetic dental bonding is an affordable and conservative treatment option for patients who have small chips or cracks in their teeth. If you have more significant chips or cracks, Dr. Blaylock may recommend porcelain veneers or dental crowns to reinforce the tooth and restore proper function.
Is tooth bonding permanent?
No, tooth bonding is a temporary measure to protect your tooth before you can get a more permanent fix. However, with excellent oral health and routine visits to the dentist, your bonding treatment results can last for a couple of years.
Is dental bonding painful?
For most patients, dental bonding is a painless procedure. You should not feel much pain during the treatment. However, you may experience some soreness and discomfort after the procedure. The discomfort is usually temporary and should go away within a few days. If you have any lingering pain or swelling, contact your dentist.
Can a dentist remove your tooth bonding?
Yes, your dentist can remove tooth bonding. It is a relatively simple and painless process. The dentist will use a dental drill to remove the bonding material, polish the teeth, and restore their natural shine.
Does bonding make teeth look large?
Bonding can make teeth look large because it is a composite that the dentist applies to the tooth and then molds and shapes until it looks natural. It also has a slightly lighter color than your natural teeth, so it can make them look whiter and brighter. However, bonding is not as sturdy as your natural teeth and can chip or crack, so you’ll need to be careful with brushing and flossing your teeth.
Schedule a Dental Exam
Schedule a visit for a teeth bonding consultation with Dr. Brent Blaylock today! Give us a call at 984-213-4695, or request an appointment online.