Dental Bonding in Tulsa, OK
Dentistry can restore broken or decayed teeth to full beauty and function. When looking for an economical way to fix these issues, dental bonding does the trick. Did you Google Dental Bonding in Tulsa, OK? Need more information about cosmetic dentistry, emergency dental treatment, or general dentistry in the Tulsa metro?
What exactly is dental bonding?
Tooth-colored materials. This bonding material replaces missing tooth structure or hides cosmetically unappealing defects in a tooth i.e. chips, discoloration, and even minor spacing irregularities. These materials are often referred to as composite resins because they contain a mixture of plastic and glass, which adds strength and translucency. The composite actually bonds, or becomes one, with the rest of the tooth.
How Do Dental Bonds Compare To Veneers?
Composite resins come in a variety of tooth shades for truly lifelike results. Bonding must be done with skill and technique and even a dab of artistry. When the Dentist combines these traits, they can produce a bond that is often impossible to distinguish from neighboring teeth. Bonding does not last as long as dental veneers. Additionally, it does not require the involvement of a dental laboratory and often, without drilling of the tooth. Dental bonds are a good solution for teens, who often need to wait until their teeth have finished maturing before choosing a more permanent type of dental restoration.
The Bonding Process
Bonding does not require dental laboratory work, so tooth bonding can usually be accomplished in a single visit to our dental office. Expect the whole procedure to take 30 minutes to an hour.
Bonding Process Details
First, the surface of the tooth to be bonded will be cleaned so it is plaque-free. The surface will then need to be “etched” with an acidic gel that opens up tiny pores in the surface. After the etching gel is rinsed off, the liquid composite resin in a well-matched shade is painted on in a thin layer, filling these tiny pores to create a strong micro-mechanical bond.
A special curing light is used to harden this bonding material. Once the first layer is cured, another layer is painted on and cured. Layers can continue to be built up until the restoration has the necessary thickness. The bonding material is then shaped using a dental drill to give it just the right form. Once the tooth not only looks great but fits in perfectly with your bite, it will receive a final polishing. Contact us now for Dental Bonding in Tulsa, OK.
Caring for Bonded Teeth
Like your other teeth, bonded teeth should be brushed and flossed daily, and professionally cleaned at the dental office twice per year. The most important thing to keep in mind about caring for your bonded tooth is that composite resin can absorb stain, just as natural teeth can. Avoid smoking, red wine, coffee and tea when possible.
While composite can darken, it cannot be lightened. So if you are thinking about having your teeth whitened, it should be done before your tooth is bonded so that a composite shade can be selected to match the lighter color of your whitened teeth. If you whiten your teeth after bonding, the bonded tooth may not match all the rest.
Finally, try not to bite your nails, hold writing implements in your mouth, or use your teeth in other ways that could put excessive force on the bonding material and chip it. With proper care, a bonded tooth should stay beautiful for 3 to 10 years.
For more information on dental bonding in the Tulsa, OK area call Charles Calhoun DDS at (918) 250-8861 today!