Dr. Brent Engelberg provides tooth bonding to patients looking to restore the uniformity of their smiles following minor dental damages. Patients love the tooth bonding procedure because it allows them to restore the aesthetics of their smile from the effects of minor dental damages. Learn the answers to frequently asked questions regarding tooth bonding below:
What is tooth bonding?
Tooth bonding is a cosmetic dentistry procedure that is used to correct minor smile blemishes like chips, cracks, or bleach-resistant stains. While these small blemishes may not have much effect on the functionality of your smile, they may take away from your overall aesthetics and smile uniformity. Using the same tooth-colored resin material that is used during dental fillings, Dr. Engelberg will cover the blemish and harden the material using ultraviolet light. Then, he will shape down the material to ensure that it blends in seamlessly with your bite pattern and does not rub against your lips. This can all be completed in one appointment, making it a cost-effective and efficient cosmetic dentistry procedure.
How long does tooth bonding last?
With proper care, tooth bonding can last up to ten years. Dr. Engelberg recommends maintaining your best at-home oral hygiene routine to maintain the improved aesthetics of your smile. Additionally, patients should continue to visit their dentist once every six months for routine oral health and wellness visits. This allows Dr. Engelberg to keep a close eye on your smile and reapply the dental bonding material if he noticed that it is beginning to wear down. The bonding material can be reapplied just as easily as it was applied the first time, so long as the dental damage has not become more severe.
What happens if my chips or cracks are too severe to be repaired with tooth bonding?
While minor chips and cracks can be addressed with tooth bonding, severe dental damages may require restorative dentistry solutions. This all depends on how deep your chips and cracks are. If they are too deep, you may experience pain or discomfort. Additionally, deep chips and cracks affect the functionality of your smile and can impact your chewing and speaking capabilities. It’s important to have any dental damages assessed by a dental professional as soon as possible. The sooner we are able to treat your chipped or cracked teeth, the more likely we will be able to offer you more conservative treatment options like tooth bonding to repair the damage. However, deep chips and cracks may require dental crowns to restore the look, feel, and functionality of the damaged tooth.
Still have questions about the tooth bonding procedure? Schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation with Arlington Heights, IL dentist, Dr. Brent Engelberg, today.