Dental bonding is a cost-effective alternative to porcelain veneers that can conceal imperfections in your smile. By applying composite resin to your teeth, Dr. Rohinton J. Patel can cover chips, cracks, and stains on your teeth and even improve the appearance of their shape or length. Dental bonding at our Honolulu, HI office can address your cosmetic concerns and repair minor dental damage. In addition to being less expensive than porcelain veneers, dental bonding is also more efficient and can typically be completed in just one visit. Dr. Patel will work closely with you to assess your candidacy, explain the procedure, and enhance your smile according to your needs and preferences. To learn more about dental bonding or schedule a consultation with Dr. Patel, contact our office today.
Benefits of Dental Bonding
Dental bonding can help patients in numerous ways. It is one of the least costly cosmetic dentistry procedures, which makes enhancing your smile easy and accessible. In addition, dental bonding can address numerous aesthetic issues, including misshapen, cracked, chipped, discolored, crooked, or gapped teeth. Dental bonding can also help repair broken or fractured teeth, and shield your enamel from further infection or injury. Unlike porcelain veneers, dental bonding does not require tooth preparation, in which the dentist has to reshape your enamel to accommodate the ceramic shells. This makes the dental bonding procedure easier and allows you to preserve your natural tooth structure.
Who is a Candidate?
Dental bonding is a relatively simple procedure, but you must meet certain criteria to qualify for this treatment. To be an ideal candidate for dental bonding, you should:
- Have healthy teeth and gums
- If Dr. Patel recommends dental bonding after a cavity treatment, he will need to remove the damaged portion of the enamel and clean the tooth before beginning the bonding process.
- Suffer from minor oral health or cosmetic issues
- More severe cracks, chips, discoloration, or misalignment will require alternative cosmetic procedures such as porcelain veneers, Invisalign® orthodontics, or a smile makeover.
- Not grind your teeth
- If you suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding), you could wear down the composite resin placed during dental bonding and interfere with your results. Dr. Patel can help you treat this condition with lifestyle changes, physical therapy, or a mouth guard so that you can become eligible for dental bonding.
- Have realistic expectations about the results of dental bonding
- Dr. Patel will explain what conditions this treatment may or may not be able to address at your initial consultation.
The Procedure
If you are interested in dental bonding, Dr. Patel will need to examine your mouth and records to determine if you are a candidate. He will also discuss your concerns and goals with you to help determine if dental bonding will be an effective treatment option.
On the day of your bonding appointment, Dr. Patel will etch your enamel to bond more easily with the composite. Next, he will cover your tooth with a special adherent liquid, apply the composite resin, precisely shape it, and harden the material with laser or ultraviolet light. Once the material has set, Dr. Patel will polish it until it looks completely natural. Bonding for each tooth typically requires less than an hour, so the length of the procedure depends on how many teeth are being corrected. Most patients require no anesthesia for this treatment, unless the affected tooth is infected or injured.
For the best results, you will need to avoid dark-colored food and drinks to prevent staining for at least two days after your bonding appointment. Most patients who undergo this treatment require touch-ups or additional bonding every few years.
Learn More About Dental Bonding
Dental bonding can protect your teeth and help you enjoy the smile you deserve. Contact our office today to learn more about this procedure or schedule a consultation with Dr. Patel.
