Okemos, Lansing, East Lansing MI
If you have one or more imperfect teeth that are slightly chipped, crooked, or gapped, you may search the internet for ways to fix your smile. Cosmetic dentistry offers simple solutions that last and look completely natural. While some cosmetic dentistry options are more costly than others and may take longer to reach your desired results, teeth bonding offers a quick solution to your smile woes. So today on the blog, our Okemos cosmetic dentist Dr. Christine Tenaglia explains teeth bonding and how it works so that you can decide if this treatment is right for you.
What is teeth bonding?
Teeth bonding is also referred to as dental bonding. The bonding material can be chosen in a variety of shades that best matches your tooth being repaired. The dentist applies the pliable material to your tooth, shapes it using a dental tool, and then cures the material to harden it. Final shaping and polishing leave the restoration looking completely natural and it blends with the rest of your teeth.
Does my tooth need to be filed down?
Dental bonding requires little to no removal of the existing structure of the tooth being treated, making it a minimally invasive procedure. The reason that the dentist sometimes removes a little bit of enamel is to allow room for the bonding material so that the tooth does not appear too bulky, and the rougher tooth texture helps create a better bond. In some cases, no anesthesia is necessary to complete a dental bonding treatment. Once the tooth is prepared, the dentist brushes an etching solution on the tooth and then rinses it away. Then, the dentist applies the composite bonding material, shaping it to correct your cosmetic dental problem. The final steps are to harden the material using a curing light, and then the dentist shapes and polishes the tooth for a shiny finish.
How long does a dental bonding appointment take?
Typically, dental bonding can be completed in about an hour or less, depending on the number of teeth that you have repaired. The good news is that the entire procedure is completed in our Okemos cosmetic dental office and does not require any lab work to be done. Therefore, you can achieve a new, confident smile during your lunch break.
What will my newly bonded tooth look like?
The results look completely natural because the composite material looks like dental enamel, even down to the shade and sheen. If done by an experienced cosmetic dentist in Okemos, like Dr. Tenaglia, your bonded tooth will not look bulky or artificial.
How long does dental bonding last?
Dental bonding should last about a decade, maybe longer, with good oral hygiene and maintenance. We recommend brushing and flossing your teeth daily and visiting the dentist twice a year. Dr. Tenaglia also recommends that you avoid using your teeth like scissors to cut tags or tear open packaging. Additionally, avoid biting your fingernails, pens, or pencils, which could chip the material or cause the underlying tooth structure to break.
Get dental bonding in Okemos, East Lansing, and Lansing, Michigan
Improving your smile aesthetics may be more attainable than you imagined with dental bonding. Dr. Christine Tenaglia is a premier cosmetic dentist serving the Okemos area for more than 25 years. She has been featured on various local news outlets and received multiple awards for her efficiency in cosmetic dentistry. To learn more about dental bonding or see if this treatment is right for you, please contact Tenaglia Smiles at (517) 347-6733.