Dental Bonding
People who want to improve their smile but have a budget to consider often choose dental bonding in Houston, TX because it’s one of the most affordable cosmetic dentistry procedures. Another thing that patients appreciate about dental bonding is the fact it’s reversible. However, people are typically less aware of this cosmetic dentistry option than they are of popular procedures like teeth whitening or porcelain veneers. Could dental bonding be right for you?
How Dental Bonding Gives You a More Attractive Smile
Dr. Patton at Restore Dental in Houston uses composite resin to match the natural color, shape, and size of your teeth as closely as possible when completing a dental bonding procedure. Patients choose dental bonding for a variety of reasons, including the following:
- Close gaps between two teeth that are larger than normal.
- Cover a badly stained tooth that may not have responded to professional teeth whitening efforts.
- Disguise cracks or chips in one or more teeth.
- Change the shape of a tooth.
- Make your teeth appear longer.
When you come in for your cosmetic dentistry appointment at Restore Dental, Dr. Patton applies the tooth-colored composite resin to the tooth or teeth you want treated. You may recognize the composite resin material if you have any filings in your teeth since it’s the same material dentists use to treat cavities. The material is also useful when replacing old metal fillings with new tooth-colored fillings and to protect roots that have become exposed due to receding gums.
What to Expect during Your Appointment for Dental Bonding in Houston, TX
The first step in learning more about dental bonding and whether it’s the right cosmetic dentistry procedure for you is to schedule a consultation at Restore Dental. Dr. Patton spends the first part of the appointment learning more about your cosmetic goals before moving on to take X-rays to ensure that your teeth and gums can tolerate the procedure.
Some dental issues make it impossible to go ahead with dental bonding, such as gum disease or severe tooth decay. You will need to treat your oral health issue first before receiving dental bonding. Dr. Patton will advise you on whether you can schedule the procedure right away or wait until your dental problem is under control. Here are the steps your dentist completes when you receive dental bonding
- Select the ideal shade for the bonding material that matches the typical appearance of all your teeth.
- Prepare your tooth to receive the composite bonding material by roughening it and then applying a conditioning liquid. Dr. Patton takes these steps to make sure that the composite resin will stay firmly attached to your tooth.
- Apply the dental bonding material and then molds and smoothens it on your tooth until it appears in the desired shape.
- Hold a curing light close to the treated tooth to speed up the process of the resin material bonding to your tooth.
- Polish your treated tooth and trim away any excess material on or around it.
You can expect these steps to take 30 to 60 minutes for Dr. Patton to complete.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene to Ensure Long-Lasting Results
Be sure to consume healthy foods and brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to keep your newly bonded tooth in good condition.
Schedule a Cosmetic Dentistry Consultation
We invite you to contact Restore Dental at your convenience to learn more about dental bonding. Should you decide to go ahead with it, you will only need to schedule one additional appointment.