A Less Invasive Way to Restore & Repair Your Smile
Our teeth play a vital role in our health and our self-esteem, but they’re prone to wear and tear as we live our lives. Your teeth may not be at their best due to a less-than-stellar oral hygiene routine, or maybe you take good care of your teeth, but an accident damaged them. If you’re looking to restore and repair your smile, the prospect might seem time-consuming, expensive, and invasive. However, at our San Luis Obispo dental office, cosmetic dentists Dr. Ramirez and Dr. Johnson offer an alternative to more costly and invasive procedures by providing cosmetic dental bonding.
What is Cosmetic Dental Bonding?
Cosmetic dental bonding is a minimally-invasive restorative and cosmetic technique. The material used for dental bonding is a composite resin like the kind that composes composite fillings. Your cosmetic dentist will freehand sculpt the resin onto your tooth. This procedure allows your dentist to repair minor damage and cover imperfections.
Benefits of Cosmetic Dental Bonding
Minimally Invasive – Cosmetic dental bonding is a minimally invasive, non-surgical method for improving your smile.
Smile Makeover – Cosmetic dental bonding can improve the appearance of your smile by concealing flaws such as cracks, chips, and discoloration.
Improved Oral Health – Dental bonding can repair minor damage that would detract from your oral health.
Quick Treatment – On average, dental bonding for one tooth usually takes 30 to 60 minutes depending on the case.
One Treatment For Multiple Problems – Dental bonding can solve multiple problems, ranging from cosmetic to functional issues.
Affordability – Dental bonding is one of the more affordable dental treatments available.
The Dental Bonding Procedure
Initial Consultation
Before your San Luis Obispo cosmetic dentist approves you for dental bonding, they’ll have you attend an initial consultation. During your initial consultation, they’ll thoroughly examine your mouth, review your medical history, and ask you about your smile goals. This information will allow them to determine if dental bonding is right for you. This consultation is the perfect time for you to ask any questions you may have about the procedure, so don’t be afraid to ask!
Design
Once you and your dentist have both decided on dental bonding as the proper treatment option for you, then we’ll help you pick your shade of resin. You can pick a shade that matches your natural teeth or a whiter shade for a brighter appearance.
Preparation
To prepare your teeth for bonding, we’ll clean them. Then, your cosmetic dentist will prepare the surface by giving it a rough texture, usually with a small drill. This texture provides friction for the resin to grip onto.
If your cosmetic dentist needs to drill close to a cavity, the tooth’s root, or a nerve, we can provide an anesthetic. Your dentist will also likely apply a conditioning liquid to help the resin stick to the surface better.
Cosmetic Dental Bonding
Your cosmetic dentist will apply your chosen resin and sculpt it into the proper shape. Your cosmetic dentist will quickly cure the resin with a blue light. Finally, the tooth is shaped and polished and your smile is restored.
Frequently Asked Questions
The exact cost of your dental bonding procedure will depend on numerous factors including how many teeth are going to be treated, the extent of any damage, and your insurance plan. Your cosmetic dentist and the rest of our San Luis Obispo dental staff encourage you to contact your insurance provider beforehand and ask them which costs they can cover.
Every smile is unique and what works for one patient may or may not work for you. For example, you may benefit more from dental bonding if you have dental damage that needs to be addressed. Porcelain veneers may be a better fit for patients whose teeth are healthy but suffer from discoloration. Your San Luis Obispo cosmetic dentist will let you know which options you have during your initial consultation.
Cosmetic dental bonding tends to last three to ten years. However, getting the most out of your cosmetic dental bonding will depend on how well you take care of your smile. Be sure to brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes, floss at least once a day (preferably before bedtime), and visit your dentist for regular cleanings and exams. Professional maintenance will help preserve your dental bonding for as long as possible.
The resin in dental bonding cannot be whitened. If you plan to whiten your teeth, our cosmetic dentists recommend undergoing teeth whitening before your dental bonding procedure. That way, it will be easier to match the resin to your new smile.
Choose Dental Bonding for a Healthier Smile in Less Time
At our San Luis Obispo dental office, Dr. Ramirez and Dr. Johnson can help patients smile their best in less time, with less invasive treatment. Our cosmetic dentists can offer this beautifying oral health treatment to patients in San Luis Obispo and surrounding areas such as Santa Margarita, Arroyo Grande, and Pismo Beach, CA.
If you’re interested in learning more about the benefits of cosmetic dental bonding, then contact our San Luis Obispo dental office by dialing (805) 549-8483. You can also fill out the contact form in the upper-right-hand corner and a friendly team member will get back to you shortly.
