Dental Bonding – Tulsa, OK

What Is Dental Bonding?

Dental bonding is a cosmetic dentistry procedure in which a composite resin (the same material used in tooth-colored fillings) is utilized to sculpt a tooth into a more desirable size, shape, and color. It’s called bonding because this substance bonds directly to the tooth, which is why it’s preferred over metal fillings as a method of repairing the damage done by cavities.

Benefits of Dental Bonding

Some of the main benefits of dental bonding over other cosmetic dentistry procedures include:

• Bonding typically is one of the more affordable cosmetic dental treatments.
• Depending on how many teeth you’re getting treated, bonding can usually be finished in one visit to our Tulsa office and takes 30-60 minutes per tooth.
• Since the process is virtually painless, it normally won’t require any anesthetic. Also, when compared to crowns and veneers, bonding requires the least amount of enamel removal, making it the most conservative treatment.

What Problems Does Dental Bonding Fix?

Bonding is ideal for correcting minor flaws in your smile, such as stains that don’t respond to traditional teeth whitening treatment. It can also close small gaps between your teeth to give them the appearance of being evenly spaced. Additionally, bonding can fill in chips and cracks in your teeth to make them look nice and whole again.

What to Expect During Your Dental Bonding Appointment

The great thing about dental bonding is that the process is quick, easy, and almost always painless. First, Dr. Hammond will apply a gentle phosphoric acid to the surface of your affected tooth. This material etches and roughens the surface so that the composite resin has an easier time staying in place. Next, the putty-like composite resin is applied to your tooth in layers and shaped along the way. Afterward, a curing light is used to harden the resin into place. Finally, your tooth is polished to give it a completely natural look and feel.

Dental Bonding Recovery and Aftercare Tips

Although the process of getting dental bonding is relatively easy, the material itself is generally more vulnerable to chipping and staining than other treatments like veneers and crowns. For this reason, you should be careful to cut down on staining items like coffee, wine, and darkly pigmented sauces. If you’re a smoker who’s considering bonding, try to quit beforehand so you won’t discolor your teeth. Additionally, it helps to wear a mouthguard during physical activity like sports, and a nightguard if you grind your teeth while you sleep. Finally, brush and floss regularly and attend your bi-annual checkups and cleanings. Dr. Hammond can evaluate your bonding and determine when it needs to be replaced, which is typically after anywhere from five to seven years.

If you’re ready to transform your smile by fixing minor imperfections, contact us to schedule a dental bonding consultation today!