Like porcelain veneers, dental bonding is an effective way to address many common cosmetic dental problems. Porcelain veneers require the removal of some tooth enamel, a prospect that is not appealing to all of our patients. While dental bonding cannot produce the same aesthetic results as veneers, it is even less invasive and may be better suited to meet your particular concerns.
Learn about tooth bonding to see if it's the right cosmetic treatment for you. Schedule a free consultation with Dr. Schmid by calling 512-329-5967 in Austin today.
Patient Testimonial
"Brilliant practice run by Dr. Schmid, and is definitely the one to seriously consider when you are after some fantastic cosmetic improvement of your smile or in a need of any other dental services. My search for a perfect dentist ended happily when I popped into his little dental clinic on Bee Caves Road. With Dr. Schmid and his team you will immediately realize what a difference it is when you have a dentist who is incredibly knowledgeable, all about finding you the best possible option for your dental treatment and offer you some of the best new technology in dentistry. Thank you Bobbi, Van and most importantly Dr. Schmid for being the BEST cosmetic dentist in Austin, Texas."
What Is Dental Bonding Used For?
Dental bonding is a cosmetic dentistry procedure in which tooth-colored resin is applied to the teeth. This resin can be shaped, sized, and shaded to match adjacent teeth. It is most commonly used for small chips, but may be a possibility to correct a number of issues including:
- Chips and cracks
- Irregular shapes
- Small gaps between teeth
Dental bonding is among the easiest and fastest cosmetic dentistry procedures. Unlike porcelain veneers or dental crowns, bonding can be completed in a single office visit. However, tooth bonding is neither as strong nor aesthetically pleasing as some other options, and may not be ideally suited for every cosmetic dental problem.
The Dental bonding Process In Austin, TX
To apply the dental resin, Dr. Schmid will need to slightly texture the surface of your tooth. Once your tooth is prepared, Dr. Schmid will apply the resin, smooth it to the desired shape, and harden it with a special curing light. Following the hardening process, Dr. Schmid will further trim and sculpt the bonding to ensure a seamless fit into your smile.
During your initial consultation with our Austin cosmetic dentist, dental bonding and its cosmetic alternatives can be discussed in full. We value your input during every stage of your treatment and will be happy to tailor your procedure to meet your specific needs.
How Long Does Dental Bonding Take?
Tooth bonding is a simple treatment that requires less time than many other cosmetic dental services. Our patients in the Austin area love that it can be completed in a single office visit. Few options will have such a quick and dramatic impact on the appearance of your smile.
The specifics of your dental bonding appointment will depend on several factors. Those factors include the severity of your cosmetic concern, the number of teeth that you want to address, and your goals for the treatment.
Generally speaking, dental bonding can take anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes. Dr. Schmid will gladly give you a personalized time estimate during your free consultation.
How You Can Care For Your Teeth After Dental Bonding
Taking care of bonded teeth is simple. These steps will help your dental bonding results last as long as possible:
Remember to brush and floss daily- Avoid hard foods and candy
- Don’t chew on ice, pens, or your fingernails
- Don’t use your teeth to open packages or cans
- Limit your consumption of coffee, wine, and other staining beverages
- Schedule regular dental checkups every six months
If you accidentally chip or damage your bonding, call our cosmetic dentist right away. It is possible to repair or replace it so that you can get back to enjoying your beautiful smile.
Is Dental Bonding Permanent?
Dental bonding has countless benefits, but its longevity is not one of them. The resin material used during the bonding process is not as strong or stain-resistant as your natural teeth. That means it will likely become damaged or discolored over time.
You might chip your dental bonding by eating something hard or grinding your teeth. And if you drink a lot of coffee or smoke, you will probably experience some staining. These are issues that you will need to have corrected at our dental practice.
What Alternatives Are There?
There are plenty of alternatives to tooth bonding. Any one of them could be a great choice for the right candidate. The best option for you will depend on factors such as the nature of your cosmetic concerns, the results you want to achieve, and your budget.
You might consider a dental crown to cover a damaged tooth and protect it from further harm. Meanwhile, porcelain veneers can be the perfect solution for minor chips, misalignment, discoloration, and a range of other imperfections.
These restorations tend to last longer than bonding. Here at Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry, we offer a five-year guarantee on veneers for your peace of mind.
Can a Bonded Tooth Be Whitened?
Unfortunately, you can’t whiten dental bonding with in-office treatments. At-home products such as strips and mouthwash won’t work either. This consideration is certainly something to keep in mind when planning your treatment.
You might want to get your teeth whitened before your bonding appointment so that the resin can be color-matched to your preferred shade. If your bonded teeth are looking a bit lackluster, the best solution is to have the material removed and reapplied.
Schedule a Dental Bonding Consultation in Austin, TX!
If you live in Round Rock, Austin, or surrounding areas of Texas and are interested in learning what dental bonding can do for your smile, please contact Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry by calling 512-329-5967 to schedule a free consultation with Dr. Schmid today.
