Conceal Cosmetic Flaws with Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a fast, cost-effective method for repairing minor cosmetic flaws in the smile, such as minor cracks, chips, discoloration, and gaps between teeth. Bonding can even alter the shape of a tooth, making it longer or wider, as necessary. At the Center for Dental Excellence in Monroeville, PA, Dr. Edward Narcisi can use bonding to conceal flaws and strengthen your smile in a single office visit.
Advantages of Dental Bonding
Bonding is a cosmetic procedure in which malleable, high-quality composite resin material is used to conceal minor flaws. Patients who choose dental bonding can enjoy a variety of benefits, including:
- Affordability: Dental bonding is one of the most affordable treatments in dentistry.
- Minimal Invasiveness: Because this procedure does not require extensive removal of enamel, many of our patients choose dental bonding as a conservative alternative to porcelain veneers.
- Fast Treatment: Since bonding is minimally invasive, we can complete treatment in under an hour.
- Comfort: Minimal invasiveness also translate to little to no discomfort during and after the procedure. In fact, most patients do not even require local anesthesia.
However, bonding is not always the most appropriate procedure for your goals. Dr. Narcisi can recommend the best treatment based off an in-office discussion and evaluation of your smile.
Dental Bonding Treatment Process
Patients who undergo dental bonding at our practice can enjoy a quick, simple treatment that yields dramatic results. The procedure is typically broken down into several stages:
- Preparing the Tooth: Dental bonding requires little preparation. Typically, local anesthesia is only administered if the damaged portion of the tooth is near a nerve. Before applying the material, Dr. Narcisi must also select a shade of composite resin that closely matches your natural teeth.
- Bonding: The doctor will first apply a mildly acidic solution to your tooth that will roughen the surface in preparation for bonding. After a few seconds, he can wash the etch off and dry the tooth. He can then carefully apply the composite resin material to your tooth and mold the material into the desired shape.
- Curing: Once the shape is finalized, Dr. Narcisi can harden the composite resin with a dental curing light.
- Final Adjustments: During this final step, Dr. Narcisi will trim away excess material and further shape the tooth to blend in with your smile. After checking your bite, he will make any necessary adjustments and polish your tooth to a natural-looking shine.
With attentive care and regular visits to the dentist, the results of your treatment can last up to ten years.
Maintaining Your Results
Following a few simple guidelines can help maintain the results of your treatment. Unlike porcelain, composite resin can stain. Therefore, it is important to avoid or minimize drinking liquids with certain staining agents such as tea, coffee, red wine, and tobacco. Practicing excellent at-home hygiene and attending routine dental appointments can keep your restorations looking fantastic.
It is also important to avoid habits that place additional pressure on the teeth, such as biting your nails or chewing on ice. Any of these habits can lead to chips or cracks in the composite resin and undermine your results.
Eliminate Minor Cosmetic Flaws
If you are unhappy with small elements of your smile but are hesitant to consider porcelain veneers, dental bonding could be a solution for you. To determine your candidacy, schedule a consultation with Dr. Narcisi by calling our office at (412) 373-9447 or contacting us online.
