Dental bonding is completely non-invasive, so it’s great for patients with dental anxiety or who don’t want to have a layer of their enamel removed for veneers.
To begin, your tooth will be cleaned by Dr. Mark Evans. Then, he will apply a very mild acid compound to the surface of the tooth. This acid “etches” the tooth, roughening the surface slightly. This is done to help the bonding material attach firmly to the enamel, and does not harm or damage the tooth in any way.
Once the tooth has been properly prepared and roughened, Dr. Evans will choose a tooth-colored composite resin that matches your tooth perfectly. Then, he will apply the resin to the tooth using special dental tools, molding it to restore the shape of your tooth. Several layers of resin may be used, and each layer is hardened with a UV light before the next layer is added.
Once the overall shape of the tooth looks right, Dr. Evans will trim away excess resin with a dental drill and adjust the bonded tooth to ensure it fits into your bite properly. When everything looks perfect, the tooth will be polished one final time. This process takes about 30-60 minutes, and will be repeated if you’re having multiple teeth bonded in one appointment.
Veneers are often suggested as an alternative to bonding, and typically, either treatment is a good way to restore your smile in Laveen. However, there are a few major differences.
First, veneers are usually more expensive than bonding, and the process of getting veneers takes at least 2 appointments over a period of 2-3 weeks. Veneers also require the permanent removal of some of your tooth enamel.
Compared to bonding, though, there are a few benefits of veneers. They tend to last longer and are more durable, and they’re also completely stain-resistant. They also may be a better choice for restoring very misshapen or stained teeth, compared to veneers.
To find out which option is right for you, it’s best to consult with an experienced cosmetic dentist in Laveen, such as Dr. Mark Evans. Contact us for an appointment, and Dr. Evans can discuss both treatments and help you choose one that’s right for you.
To care for your teeth after bonding, just make sure to brush and floss consistently, and come to Laveen Smiles for teeth cleanings and oral exams every six months.
You should also avoid doing things that could damage your bonded teeth or natural teeth, like eating hard foods with your front teeth, chewing non-food objects, and using your teeth as “tools” to tear tape, open bags, or for any other purpose.