Dental Bonding: A Simple, Affordable Way to Enhance Your Smile
Drs. Don and Cathleen Czaplicki provide dental bonding at our Milwaukee, WI, practice, a process of using tooth-colored resin to conceal minor dental imperfections. Bonding provides a safe, durable, cosmetic restoration for children or adults. Many patients also choose the treatment as an affordable alternative to porcelain veneers.
About Dental Bonding
For people who sustain a chipped tooth from a fall or other type of injury, bonding will repair the tooth’s appearance by restoring its shape. Those with widely or unevenly spaced front teeth often choose cosmetic dental bonding to close gaps in their smile. Bonding may also be used as a way to brighten your smile to cover stains that will not respond to teeth whitening.
Bonding is a simple procedure that can be completed in a single appointment. The treatment uses a composite resin material, which is also used for tooth-colored fillings.
The treated tooth or teeth may need some preparation, in which case the dentist will administer anesthetic to ensure your comfort. We will also etch the tooth to create a solid bond between the resin and tooth enamel. Dr. Don or Cathleen Czaplicki will add pigment to a bit of liquid resin, creating a shade that matches your natural tooth enamel.
Dental bonding can be completed in a single appointment with immediate and dramatic results.
After applying the resin and shaping it, we will shine a curing light on the area to harden the restoration. Once the bonded area is set, the dentist will continue to shape and polish the restoration for a natural-looking finish. You will be asked to open and close your mouth as the dentist checks your bite, making sure that opposing teeth fit together properly when your mouth is closed, and any necessary final adjustments will be made.
Care and Longevity
Composite resin is a durable material, but it can be damaged or fall out over time. With good oral health and no trauma to the area, a bonding can last five to seven years, in most cases. To maximize the longevity of your restoration, wear a mouth guard when you engage in contact sports. If you grind your teeth at night, ask the dentist to provide a night guard to protect your teeth from wear. Avoid using your teeth to chew ice, rip open bags, loosen lids, or nibble your fingernails. Practice good oral hygiene at home and see us twice a year for bi-annual checkups and cleanings, as well.
An Affordable and Versatile Treatment
Depending on your aesthetic concerns, bonding can easily be combined with other treatments, such as teeth whitening or Invisalign®. Many patients choose bonding as a more affordable alternative to porcelain veneers. Because bonding does not typically last as long as veneers, you may choose the treatment to gain a better understanding of whether veneers are right for you.
Contact Us Today
If you or your child have a chipped tooth, oddly spaced teeth, or stubborn dental stains, schedule your consultation with Dr. Don or Cathleen Czaplicki today. Our dental office features state-of-the-art technology and a team of highly trained professionals to meet all your oral healthcare needs.