Bonding

Dental bonding has improved the smiles of tens of thousands of people. Bonding is the process of applying a composite resin that matches the texture and color of your natural teeth. It can repair a decayed, chipped, fractured or discolored tooth. It can also make teeth appear longer, and more proportionate. Your Lenexa family dentist can complete this cosmetic procedure in just one visit!

Why Should I Try Dental Bonding?

Dental bonding is a simple, quick solution to fix cracks, chips, and gaps in your smile.

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One of the great things about bonding is that it is one of the simplest and cheapest options for cosmetic dentistry in Lenexa. The material used can blend in with the teeth around it. The principal use of dental bonding is repairing chipped teeth or correcting an off-color tooth. If you have gaps between your teeth, your dentist can also use bonding to close the gap. It can also make teeth look more proportionate or improve the shape or coloration of your tooth.

When receding gum lines expose a tooth's root, decay begins to occur. Cavities form, but bonding can be used in place of traditional amalgam fillings.

Pros

• Price: Bonding is one of the least expensive cosmetic procedures.
• Convenience: Crowns and veneers need more time to prepare and usually a second visit to place them. Dental bonding is often done in a single visit.
• Simplicity: Bonding requires minimal tooth removal. Patients can get several teeth bonded in one short appointment.

Cons

• Discoloration: While your Lenexa cosmetic dentist can achieve a lot with bonding, the resin does stain over time. Crowns and veneers are much more resistant to discoloration or staining.
• Durability: Bonding is an excellent short-term fix for a variety of reasons. But, veneers and crowns offer many more years of use.

How Do I Prepare for the Procedure?

Since dental bonding is a very simple procedure, we just need you to maintain proper oral care.

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Are you in need of a cosmetic dentist in Lenexa? Our patients are able to come into our office and get the desired outcome in the same visit. The procedure is so non-invasive that anesthesia is rarely needed, unless you need a cavity filled. As with any procedure, proper dental care and cleaning at home improves the health of your mouth and makes for a smoother, quicker visit.

What Can I Expect?

Your dentist will use a coloration guide to select the composite resin color that matches the color of the tooth. The, the dentist will etch the surface of the tooth to roughen it. That way, the resin maintains a secure grip on the tooth and can last for years. A light coat of conditioning solution will then be applied. This allows the resin to bond more uniformly to your tooth.

Once the dentist has completed the prep stage, the tooth-colored resin is placed on the tooth. The resin will then be sculpted and smoothed until a natural looking tooth is formed. Ultraviolet light is then used to harden the resin.

Once the resin has hardened, Dr. Viloria can make fine adjustments to the shape and texture of the tooth and make sure that the bite feels natural. Most of our patients can be in and out in an hour or less. However, if you are having multiple teeth worked on it may take more than one visit.

Proper Care

Tea, coffee, cigarette smoke and other substances can stain the resin. The first 48 hours are the most susceptible to staining and need the most caution in abstaining from these substances. Having regular visits with your hygienist as well as frequent brushing at home can help a lot in managing ideal coloration. Teeth that have had dental bonding done do not need different or unusual at home care. Continue your normal brushing and flossing as you would have done before the bonding procedure. But, as stated above, dental bonding can and will stain over time. The potential for stain will be much higher (and will happen much faster) for those who consume more coffee, tea, dark cola, red wine, or tobacco products.

Are There Any Risks?

Unfortunately, the bonding resin is not as durable as crowns, veneers or even your natural tooth structure. Chewing on ice chips is always a bad idea but especially if you have had bonding work done. Avoid other tempting chewable objects like pens and fingernails. Never open bags with your teeth either. Proper care of your bonded teeth can increase their usable life substantially. Most often they will last at least a few years.

Ready to instantly improve your smile? We've got you covered!

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What To Watch Out For

If you experience any of these things, call us right away so we can fix the problem as soon as possible:

• Discomfort while chewing
• Teeth don't rest naturally against the others
• Sharp edges
• The bonding chips or falls out completely

How Long Does Dental Bonding Last?

The success of dental bonding is determined, in part, on the location of the restoration on the tooth. If the bonding is on the very edge of your tooth, it most likely won't last as long because of biting forces and what types of food you are biting into. Chewy, hard or crunchy foods will weaken the bonding quickly compared to soft foods. Many patients with bonding on their front teeth avoid directly biting into food that can compromise the structural soundness of dental bonding. A tooth-colored bonding can last 4 to 8 years on average, depending on tooth location and patient's bite and eating and chewing habits.

Will My Insurance Cover It?

The majority of insurance companies will not cover dental bonding as they consider it cosmetic. However, it doesn't hurt to call your insurance company to ask if they have coverage for cosmetic dental work. You can also refer to your insurance booklet you were provided to check for cosmetic coverage.

Call Us Today To Schedule a Consultation!

Dental bonding in Lenexa has never been more convenient! Our friendly staff at New Horizons Dental Care of Lenexa would love to meet you and help you improve your oral health. If you need cosmetic dentistry in Lenexa, we have the experience and skill required for making smiles you will absolutely love showing off!