Dental bonding is a quick and cost-effective cosmetic dentistry treatment. It involves fusing a resin material to a tooth to change its shape or color. This versatile service is capable of correcting many aesthetic issues to create a naturally beautiful smile.
The dentists at Meadows Dental Group by Espire are highly-experienced tooth bonding providers. To learn if this service is right for you, schedule a consultation at 303-790-2323. Our office offers high-quality dental care to patients from Lone Tree, Centennial, Highlands Ranch, and nearby areas of Colorado.
What Can Dental Bonding Treat?
Dental bonding is typically appropriate for minor dental imperfections. It can correct concerns such as:
- Chips or cracks
- Decay
- Discoloration
- Small gaps between teeth
- Irregularly shaped teeth
- Small or short teeth
- An exposed tooth root due to minor gum recession
Our dentists will customize the bonding process to address your specific dental issues. It is possible to bond a small area of a single tooth or the entire surface of multiple teeth, depending on the nature of your problem.
Be aware that bonding is not ideal if you have severe decay or significant tooth damage. A dental crown will likely work better than bonding in those situations.
Who is a good candidate for dental bonding in Lone Tree?
Anyone can have dental bonding as a cosmetic repair for a tooth. Maybe you have a tooth that is discolored from the tetracycline you were given as a child. Maybe you have a chip on a corner you’d like to fix. You see all of the uses listed above.
One thing is important to know with bonding, however. It is only a cosmetic fix. If a tooth has a true problem, such as decay or a deep crack, those issues cannot be covered up with composite resin in a dental bonding treatment. Actually, your Meadows Dental Group by Espire dentist would first have to resolve the issue for the tooth to then be eligible for the aesthetic improvements of bonding.
Certain larger issues, such as large chips or wide gaps, cannot be fixed with bonding. The tooth in these cases would most likely need a crown.
Your Tooth Bonding Appointment In Lone Tree
Dental bonding does not require any advanced preparation on your part. It is a fast and simple procedure with no downtime. Since anesthesia is usually unnecessary during dental bonding, you can return to your normal routine after your appointment.
Our dentists will begin by preparing the surface of the tooth to help the bonding material adhere better. Then, they will carefully select a composite resin color to complement your smile and blend seamlessly with the surrounding teeth. From there, they will apply and mold the material.
Next, our dentists will harden the resin with a special light before performing final shaping adjustments. After they polish the material to blend in with the rest of the tooth, the process is complete.
Patient Testimonials
"The best dentist around. I have had major dental anxiety my entire life and this has been my go to dental provider since moving to Colorado in 2012. Since coming here my dental related anxiety has decreased dramatically because the staff goes above and beyond to ensure patient comfort. The staff is professional and tempers to name when you visit. They work with a fantastic lab. Overall this place provides a great experience. Dr. O’Leary is so good!" - Suave J.
"I have been going to Dr. O'Leary for 10 years and highly recommend him. He does a great job, very qualified and extremely patient. The entire office staff is extremely pleasant to work with. I don't ever dread going to the dentist, always a good experience." - Esther Y.
Reviews taken from Google My Business.
How long does a dental bonding session take?
These procedures usually take from 30 to 60 minutes per tooth.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of bonding?
There are pluses and minuses involved with bonding at Meadows Dental Group by Espire. Here are both sides:
Advantages
- Bonding is much cheaper than crowns or veneers.
- Bonding can be done in a single visit, usually requiring just an hour or so.
- The resin color is matched to your natural teeth very accurately.
- No anesthetic is needed.
- The procedure is completely non-invasive.
- Bonding doesn’t require removing healthy tooth material, as is necessary with crowns and veneers.
Disadvantages
- Chewing hard foods and grinding your teeth can make the bonding crack or chip.
- Composite resin doesn’t resist staining the way dental porcelain does, although it resists staining better than natural tooth enamel.
- Excessive bite force or trauma can cause the bond to detach.
- Bonding isn’t meant for large areas.
- Bonding doesn’t return strength to a damaged tooth, as a crown does.
- Bonding doesn’t respond to whitening.
How Much Do Dental Bondings Cost?
Tooth bonding is one of the most affordable cosmetic dentistry treatments. The exact cost of dental bonding varies based on the extent of the procedure. Other factors, such as the location of the dental practice and the expertise of the dentist, can also influence the amount that you will pay for bonding.
Our dentists will need to evaluate your cosmetic issue in person in order to provide you with a personalized cost estimate. During your consultation appointment, our staff can help determine if your insurance plan will cover all or part of the cost of bonding. Many offer coverage when bonding is done for structural reasons, such as filling a chip caused by an accident.
How Long Do Dental Bondings Last?
The longevity of dental bonding can vary by patient. How long your tooth bonding will last depends on where the bonding was placed, how much was used, and your oral habits. Generally, the bonding material can last anywhere from three to 10 years without touchups or replacement.
Bonding resin is durable, but it isn’t as strong or stain resistant as other cosmetic dental solutions like veneers. Avoid biting hard objects because this can cause the bonding material to chip. Limit your intake of staining foods and beverages to prevent discoloration. Aside from these precautions, bonded teeth do not require special care beyond good oral hygiene practices.
Schedule Your Lone Tree Dental Bonding Consultation
Find out if bonding can correct your cosmetic dental issues. Call our office at 303-790-2323 to schedule a consultation or use our online contact form here.
Most patient consultations for a specific area of concern are free. Meadows Dental Group by Espire serves patients in and around Lone Tree, Highlands Ranch, Centennial, and other Colorado communities.