Revive your Smile with Dental Bonding
Wishing you had a picture-perfect smile without gaps, stains, or chips? The good news is you don’t need intensive treatments to get the gorgeous look you want. Our internationally renowned Atlanta dentist, Dr. Hugh Flax, offers cosmetic dental bonding at Flax Dental. Dental bonding allows you to sculpt your teeth into stunning new shapes affordably and quickly.
* Real Patient Results
What Is a Dental Bonding Treatment?
Dental bonding is a cosmetic dental treatment involving a putty-like resin compound. The dentist can apply this composite resin to your teeth’s surface to repair minor cosmetic flaws. He then sculpts the resin into the ideal shape and hardens it to complete the treatment. The minimally-invasive process takes 30 to 60 minutes in only a single visit.
What Can Dental Bonding Fix?
One of the most common issues dental bonding can fix is chipped or cracked teeth. Whether the damage is due to trauma, decay, or wear and tear, bonding can restore the appearance and strength of the affected tooth. By carefully sculpting and shaping the resin material, a skilled dentist can seamlessly blend the bonding with the natural tooth structure, creating a smooth and even surface.
Dental bonding can also fill gaps between the teeth. This can occur naturally or as a result of tooth loss and can impact the overall aesthetics of the smile. By applying bonding material to the sides of the teeth, the gaps can be closed, and the smile can be re-aligned, creating a more uniform and attractive appearance.
In addition, dental bonding can be used to reshape and recontour teeth. This can be particularly helpful for individuals with irregularly shaped or small teeth, as bonding can enhance the size and shape of the teeth for a more harmonious smile. The resin material can be built up to create a more balanced and symmetrical look, improving the function and aesthetics.
Another common issue that can be addressed with dental bonding is tooth discoloration or staining. While professional teeth whitening treatments are often recommended for this problem, bonding can be a suitable alternative for certain individuals. By applying a tooth-colored resin material to the teeth, stains, and discolorations can be covered up, creating a brighter and more youthful smile. Furthermore, dental bonding can protect and strengthen weak or sensitive teeth.
By bonding a thin layer of resin material to the surface of the teeth, the enamel can be reinforced, and the teeth can be better protected from further damage. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with worn-down or thin enamel, as bonding can provide protection against decay and sensitivity.
Dental Bonding Benefits
- Improved appearance: One of the primary benefits of dental bonding is its ability to enhance the appearance of your teeth. The tooth-colored resin used in the bonding process can be molded and sculpted to blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, resulting in a smile that looks healthy and beautiful.
- Minimal tooth removal: Unlike other cosmetic treatments, such as dental crowns or veneers, dental bonding requires minimal removal of tooth enamel. This means more of your natural tooth structure is preserved, resulting in a more conservative and less invasive treatment option.
- Quick and painless: Dental bonding is a relatively quick and painless procedure that can typically be completed in just one visit to the dentist. Unlike other treatments that may require multiple appointments and recovery time, bonding allows you to achieve a beautiful smile in a single visit.
- Affordable: Compared to other cosmetic dentistry treatments, dental bonding is a more affordable option for patients looking to improve the appearance of their smile. This makes it an attractive choice for budget-conscious individuals who still want to achieve a more beautiful smile.
- Versatile: Dental bonding can be used to address a variety of cosmetic concerns, including chips, cracks, gaps, discoloration, and misshapen teeth. This versatility makes bonding an ideal treatment option for patients looking to enhance the overall appearance of their smile.
- Durable: With proper care and maintenance, dental bonding can last for several years before needing to be replaced. Routine brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups can help ensure the longevity of your bonding treatment.
- Natural-looking results: The tooth-colored resin used in dental bonding can be customized to match the shade and texture of your natural teeth, resulting in a seamless and natural-looking smile. This allows you to achieve a beautiful smile that still looks and feels authentic.
- Improved self-confidence: By addressing cosmetic concerns and achieving a more beautiful smile, dental bonding can help boost your self-confidence and overall well-being. Feeling more confident in your smile can positively impact various aspects of your life, from personal relationships to professional opportunities.
Our Dental Bonding Procedure
Step 1: Preparation
Our Sandy Springs dentist will begin the dental bonding process by examining your teeth to determine the damage. He then slightly roughens the affected teeth surfaces using a mild etching solution. This creates tiny grooves for the resin material to adhere to. Dr. Flax only etches the enamel that will need bonding material; just enough for ideal adhesive strength.
Step 2: Local Anesthetic
Your comfort is Dr. Flax’s top priority. He may administer a local anesthetic to numb the bonding area before applying the resin. Although anesthesia is not always necessary. The numbness will block any sensitivity or discomfort as he sculpts the resin on your teeth.
Step 3: Resin Application and Sculpting
Dr. Flax selects a resin material that perfectly matches your natural tooth color. He then meticulously sculpts the putty-like resin into the desired shape. He will fix chips, close gaps, lengthen teeth, or create other improvements. Dr. Flax’s artistic eye and experience enable him to create stunning and seamless dental bonding work.
Step 4: Curing the Resin
Once Dr. Flax finishes sculpting the resin, he uses a special curing UV light to harden it. The light triggers the bonding agent to set hard and adhere to the teeth below. The bonded teeth will be immediately ready to use as soon as you leave our dental office.
Step 5: Finishing and Polishing
During the finishing and polishing step, Dr. Flax carefully polishes the cured resin. He will use fine-grit tools to achieve a smooth finish. The bonding will look and feel like natural tooth enamel against your tongue. You will not feel any rough spots or edges, just flawless new teeth.
See Your Smile Transformation
The moment you’ve been waiting for arrives when Dr. Flax lets you look in the mirror to see the final result. Thanks to his attention to shade-matching, shape, and polish, your dental bonding will appear beautifully seamless and bright.
Maintaining your Dental Bonding Results
With proper care, your dental bonding results can last five to 10 years or more. Dr. Flax recommends:
- Brushing twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
- Flossing once daily to remove plaque buildup
- Seeing Dr. Flax every six months for professional cleanings
- Avoiding extremely hard, crunchy, or sticky foods
- Wearing a night guard if you clench or grind your teeth
- Not biting nails or chewing on pens/pencils
- Giving up tobacco, if applicable, as smoking can stain bonding
- Visiting our Atlanta dental office immediately if bonding chips or cracks for repair
With good oral hygiene and avoiding damaging habits, your dental bonding will maintain its beauty. Bonding is not permanent and can chip or break over time. Fortunately, Dr. Flax can easily patch any damaged spots or replace old bonding.
Teeth Bonding FAQs
Does dental bonding stain?
Bonding resin can absorb stains from foods, smoking, and other environmental factors. Be diligent about brushing after eating or drinking stain-causing products. See your dentist every six months for polishing to keep your bonding looking its brightest.
Can you match the dental bonding color to my natural tooth shade?
Yes, matching the color is key for beautiful and natural-looking results. Your dentist will carefully assess your tooth hues, then select the perfect shade of bonding resin to blend with surrounding teeth.
Is dental bonding painful?
No, the procedure is not painful. Your dentist may use a local anesthetic to numb the area if necessary. You won’t feel pain during the bonding application and sculpting process. Some patients may experience minor discomfort or sensitivity during the bonding procedure.
How long does dental bonding last?
With good oral care, bonding typically lasts five to ten years. Avoid biting down on hard foods and habits like nail biting to keep the bonding in great shape. See your dentist twice annually to assess bonding condition and repair any damage early.
Why Choose Dr. Hugh Flax For Your Dental Bonding?
Few other Atlanta dentists are as qualified as Dr. Flax to transform your smile using dental bonding. As the author of A Smile is Always in Style and the former president of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, he has years of experience. His artistic eye and decades of training allow him to create a smile you’ll love. Choose Dr. Flax for dental bonding results you can trust.
We also provide additional cosmetic dentistry treatments to new and existing patients in Sandy Springs, Atlanta, GA. Call 470-635-3604 to schedule your dental bonding consultation at Flax Dental today!