Do you have a chipped or cracked tooth? Maybe you have a stained tooth that won’t respond to whitening treatment. Dental bonding can cover one or more teeth to create a more even, brighter 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. Tooth bonding 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, your South Tampa dentist ensures you have good oral health. We will address any outstanding dental problems before cosmetic treatment. Bonding is a non-permanent solution for patients with minor dental issues who don’t 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 matches your shade. Then, we prepare the tooth so the bonding material adheres properly.
We shape and mold the bonding material to the tooth, sculpting it into the correct form. 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 who 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 your Tampa dentist twice a year
Caring for your bonded teeth helps keep the bonding material and your natural teeth bright and healthy. Bacteria can still build on bonded teeth, just like natural tooth enamel. Brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits can prevent problems like gum disease and tooth decay.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 to repair a chipped tooth or fill a cavity. Our office can help verify your benefits and discuss financing options if needed.
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, Dr. Benedict 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 Dr. Benedict recommends 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 as 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.
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, your dentist in Tampa, FL, may need to redo the entire bonding. Avoid chewing ice or hard candies, and don’t use your teeth as tools, to prevent damage.
Can bonding fix crooked and missing 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. For patients with missing teeth, bonding alone can’t replace the needed tooth structure. Dental implants provide a more complete solution by replacing both the root and the visible portion of the tooth.
How do I clean around bonded teeth?
Clean bonded teeth the same way you clean your natural 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 South Tampa dentist Dr. Benedict today at 813-733-6981 for treatment, or request an appointment online.