Do you have a chipped or cracked tooth? Maybe you have a stained tooth that won’t react to whitening treatment. Dental bonding can cover one or more teeth to create an even and bright smile. Tooth bonding is a cosmetic dental treatment that can fix one or more discolored or damaged teeth.
Dr. Rebecca Benedict provides dental bonding treatment to her patients in Tampa, FL. A tooth bonding treatment can create brighter, more uniform teeth. Bonding provides natural-looking results with quick and efficient treatment.
Dental Bonding Treatment in Tampa, FL
Before bonding treatment, we always ensure that patients are in good oral health. We will address any outstanding dental problems before cosmetic treatment. Bonding is a non-permanent solution for patients who have smaller dental problems and do not want to commit to dental veneers.
Tooth bonding can take just one office visit. First, we color-match your teeth using a guide to ensure the bonding material is the correct shade. Then, we prepare the tooth for the bonding material to ensure that the material properly adheres to the teeth.
We shape and mold the bonding material to the tooth and sculpt it into the correct shape. Then, we harden the bonding material with a curing light and polish the tooth for a natural sheen.
Bonding vs. Veneers: Key Differences
While both improve your smile’s appearance, bonding and veneers serve different needs:
- Procedure Time: Bonding takes one visit, but veneers require 2-3 appointments
- Durability: Veneers last 10-15 years while bonding lasts 3-7 years
- Tooth Preparation: Bonding needs minimal enamel removal while veneers require more reshaping
- Stain Resistance: Veneers resist stains better than bonding material
- Cost: Bonding is significantly more affordable than veneers
We’ll help you decide which option best fits your budget, lifestyle, and cosmetic goals during your consultation. Many patients start with bonding as an introductory cosmetic treatment before considering more permanent options.
Patient Review
Who Makes a Good Candidate for Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding works best for patients with minor cosmetic concerns who want quick and affordable improvements. Ideal candidates include those with small chips, cracks, or gaps between teeth, or those that want to cover stained enamel.
However, bonding isn’t recommended for large cavities or severely damaged teeth. In these cases, crowns or veneers might be better options. During your consultation, we’ll examine your teeth and discuss whether bonding can give you exactly what you’re looking for.
How to Care For Bonded Teeth
Here are tips you can follow to ensure that your bonding treatment lasts:
- Avoid tea, coffee, and tobacco products to prevent staining
- Brush with a soft-bristled toothbrush
- Avoid hard or crunchy foods
- Do not brush with abrasive toothpaste
- Continue to visit the dentist twice a year
Caring for your bonded teeth helps ensure that the bonding material and your natural teeth stay bright and healthy. Bacteria can still build on bonded teeth, just like natural tooth enamel. Brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist can prevent problems like gum disease and tooth decay.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does dental bonding last?
With proper care, bonded teeth typically last 3-7 years before you need touch-ups. Unlike veneers or crowns, bonding material is more susceptible to staining and chipping over time. The lifespan depends largely on your oral habits and which teeth were treated.
Front teeth bonding tends to last longer than bonding on back teeth used for chewing. When the bonding does wear down, we can easily refresh it during a follow-up appointment.
Does dental bonding hurt or require anesthesia?
Most patients experience little to no discomfort during bonding since it’s a minimally invasive procedure. We typically don’t use anesthesia unless we’re treating decay near the nerve or making repairs close to the gumline. You might feel slight pressure as we work, but many patients compare it to getting a routine filling.
Can bonding fix gaps between teeth?
Bonding is an excellent solution for closing small gaps (diastemas) between teeth. We carefully build up the composite material to create a natural-looking closure. However, orthodontic treatment or veneers might be more appropriate solutions for larger gaps.
How soon can I eat after getting dental bonding?
You can eat right after your appointment, but we recommend waiting until the anesthesia wears off (if used) to avoid biting your cheek. For the first 24 hours, stick to softer foods and avoid anything that could stain the fresh bonding material.
Can I whiten bonded teeth?
The composite resin used in bonding doesn’t respond to whitening treatments like real enamel does. If you plan to whiten your teeth, we recommend doing it before bonding so we can match the new shade. Otherwise, you might need to replace the bonding to match your newly whitened smile.
Is dental bonding covered by insurance?
When used for cosmetic purposes, bonding typically isn’t covered. However, your insurance may provide partial coverage if it’s for repairing a chipped tooth or filling a cavity. Our office can help verify your benefits and discuss financing options if needed.
What happens if my bonding chips or breaks?
Dr. Benedict can repair minor chips in a quick visit by adding more composite material. If a significant portion breaks off, we may need to redo the entire bonding. Avoid chewing ice, hard candies, or using your teeth as tools to prevent damage.
Can bonding fix crooked teeth?
While bonding can create the illusion of straighter teeth by carefully reshaping one or two, it’s not a substitute for orthodontic treatment for significantly misaligned teeth. We can use bonding as a finishing touch after braces or Invisalign treatment to perfect your smile.
How do I clean around bonded teeth?
Clean bonded teeth just like your real teeth. Brush twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste, and floss once daily. Avoid mouthwashes with alcohol because they can degrade the bonding material over time. Our hygienist can show you specific techniques during your cleaning appointments.
Schedule a Dental Appointment Today
Are you looking for an efficient way to treat a broken or discolored tooth in Tampa? Do you want an alternative to veneers that won’t permanently change your tooth? Contact Dr. Benedict for treatment today at 813-733-6981, or request an appointment online.