Transform Your Smile with Dental Bonding
Dr. Richard C. Ribeiro is an experienced dentist with a keen eye for cosmetic detail. At our Clarksville, TN, office, he can perform dental bonding to fill gaps, spaces, or cracks in teeth. You can look forward to an improved appearance from a simple dental bonding treatment. At Clarksville Smiles, dental bonding is just one of the many ways we can improve both the appearance and function of your smile.
How a Simple Cosmetic Procedure Can Improve Your Smile
Dental bonding is a cosmetic procedure that can correct both cosmetic flaws and minor dental damage affordably and effectively. Dental bonding uses composite resin, which is the same material used for tooth-colored fillings. This material can be tinted to match the shade of your surrounding teeth.
Dental bonding works to address many of the same problems as porcelain veneers:
- Chips, cracks, and other minor damage
- Oddly shaped teeth
- Uneven spacing between the teeth, resulting in gaps
- Discoloration that cannot be treated with teeth whitening
Dental bonding is a cosmetic procedure that can correct both cosmetic flaws and minor dental damage affordably and effectively.
The Dental Bonding Procedure
Prior to your procedure, you will meet with Dr. Ribeiro for a consultation. At this appointment, he will examine your teeth and gums closely to ensure you are a good candidate for a cosmetic procedure. Any signs of gum disease or tooth decay must be addressed before he can proceed with cosmetic treatments.
Once Dr. Ribeiro determines you are a good candidate for dental bonding, you can schedule your appointment. Dental bonding may take up to a couple hours to complete, depending on the number of teeth requiring treatment. Unlike porcelain veneers, dental bonding requires almost no modification of the tooth.
The process simply involves the use of mild acidic solution to lightly etch the tooth’s surface. This creates a strong bond between the tooth and composite resin. After mixing a shade of composite that will match your surrounding teeth, Dr. Ribeiro will apply it to each tooth being treated. He can shape the material to add symmetry and fill in gaps or cracks.
Dental bonding works to address many of the same problems that porcelain veneers can, including chips, cracks, and other minor damage. However, bonding is more affordable and doesn’t require any alteration of the tooth.
Once this process is complete, he will use a UV light to harden each bond. Then, he will polish the bonded teeth to achieve a more natural, lifelike appearance.
Advantages of Bonding with Composite Resin
Composite resin is a strong and durable material. If you care for your teeth properly and get regular dental checkups and cleanings, dental bonding can last up to a decade. Because the treatment is customizable, your bonded teeth will blend right in with the rest of your smile. No one will ever know the difference.
Composite resin will not only enhance the aesthetics of your smile, but it can repair minor damage that inhibits the functionality of a tooth. The end result is a stronger, more beautiful smile. Since there is no alteration of the tooth, the treatment is also reversible.