Do you have a space in between your teeth that you find unsightly? Or, maybe you have a chipped or cracked tooth that you want fixed? But, perhaps, the thought of multiple office visits to Danville Family Dentistry in Hendricks County to have your teeth fixed makes you anxious. Or, perhaps, you don’t have the out-of-pocket money for more complex dental procedures. So, what can you do?
Well, tooth bonding may be a good option for you. Dental bonding is a cosmetic and restorative procedure that’s used to correct a wide range of dental issues, like:
- Repairing decayed teeth
- Repairing chipped or cracked teeth
- Improving the appearance of discolored teeth
- Closing spaces between teeth.
- Changing the shape and length of teeth
- Replacing amalgam fillings
- Protecting an exposed portion of a tooth’s root due to receding gums
During the tooth bonding procedure, Dr. Jon Erickson applies a tooth-colored resin material to your tooth and hardens it with a special light. Ultimately, the resin material bonds to the tooth. With trimming, shaping and polishing, the material will look just like your original tooth.
Pros of Tooth Bonding
Some benefits of tooth bonding include:
- Aesthetically pleasing appearance – The resin is color-matched to your adjacent teeth, so it’s entirely unnoticeable.
- Less tooth structure removal – Unlike crowns and veneers, the least amount of tooth enamel or portions of the tooth are removed.
- Quick treatment option – Bonding is one of the easiest cosmetic dental procedures. Usually, Dr. Erickson can perform the procedure in his Hendricks County office in one office visit (depending on the number of teeth to be bonded). It takes about 30 to 60 minutes per tooth to complete.
- Cost-effective procedure – Bonding is less costly than other treatment options like crowns, veneers, bridges and implants.
- No anesthesia is usually required.
Cons of Tooth Bonding
Some drawbacks of tooth bonding include:
- Risk of staining – Tea, coffee, cigarette smoke and other substances can stain the resin material.
- Less strength – The resin is not as strong as your natural tooth enamel. Therefore, it can chip and break off. So you should avoid biting your fingernails; chewing on ice or other hard substances; or using your bonded teeth as an opener.
- Limited lifespan – Depending on your oral habits, bonding typically lasts a few years before repair or replacement is needed.
If you’re looking for an option to restore or improve your smile, call Danville Family Dentistry’s Hendricks County office to schedule a consultation. Dr. Erickson can talk to you about the pros and cons of tooth bonding and determine if it’s the right solution for your dental needs.
(317) 745-4400
