If you have chipped, stained, or minorly damaged teeth, we can offer conservative cosmetic dentistry solutions to quickly and affordably repair your smile. Dr. Kim often recommends tooth bonding to patients desiring to change the color and shape of a tooth or to address minor chips, cracks, and gaps between teeth. An alternative to porcelain veneers, bonding can allow younger patients to restore dental health with less cost and provide adult patients the opportunity to “try out” a new look without the larger commitment of time and money. Many patients enjoy our tooth bonding solutions and can leave our office within one visit with a completely restored, beautiful smile.
Tooth Bonding in Williamsport, PA
Dr. Kim, your local Williamsport, PA dentist, is happy to offer tooth bonding as a cosmetic dentistry solution. Tooth bonding is typically an easy procedure that causes minimal to no discomfort. Completed in one visit with a composite resin material, tooth bonding is not considered a permanent restoration and involves minimal tooth preparation. Many patients enjoy our tooth bonding solutions because this service offers natural-looking results that can last for 10 or more years with proper care.
What To Expect: Tooth Bonding Procedure
Tooth bonding will begin with minimal preparation of the tooth surface for the secure placement of the composite resin material. Dr. Kim will carefully sculpt the material as planned to repair or enhance your tooth. Once in place, adjustments will be made for a comfortable bite. The material is sealed using a special light and the surface will be polished for a smooth texture and natural-looking appearance.
Tooth bonding is available to both children and adults. Bonded teeth can last for many years with proper care and will maintain the color-matched appearance with good oral hygiene and the avoidance of dark beverages that can stain the teeth such as coffee, tea, and red wines.
How will my child benefit from tooth bonding?
Tooth bonding is an excellent option for children, especially those with cosmetic blemishes on their baby teeth. Because these teeth will eventually be replaced with permanent teeth, there is no need to pursue invasive or costly cosmetic procedures to repair minor damages. Instead, tooth bonding–which is virtually painless, and lasts many years–can resolve these issues effectively for the time being.
Tooth Bonding Aftercare
You can leave our office following your tooth bonding appointment and go right back to work or school. Some patients report minor tooth sensitivity for the first few hours following their procedure, but this should go away soon. Because the resin material is hardened and secured to your tooth during the appointment, you don’t have to worry about waiting to eat or drink following your appointment. You should expect to be able to fully enjoy your cosmetically restored smile immediately following the procedure.
Cost of Tooth Bonding
Tooth bonding is often covered by dental insurance when addressing tooth damage or a dental health concern. However, if you are receiving tooth bonding for cosmetic reasons, most insurance plans will not cover the treatment. Bonding is an affordable alternative to dental veneers which is a more expensive treatment. We will discuss all aspects of your tooth bonding procedure, including cost, during your consultation. We accept nearly all dental insurance plans and work with patients to estimate their portion of the total cost.
Schedule An Appointment
When it comes to quick, economical tooth repair or addressing minor cosmetic concerns, tooth bonding can be the perfect solution for your needs. Ideal for patients of any age, tooth bonding is completed during a single visit. If you are interested in our tooth bonding services, please schedule an appointment with Dr. Kim online today.
Tooth Bonding FAQs
Am I able to eat and drink after getting tooth bonding?
Because the resin is set and hardened before you leave the office, you should be able to eat and drink immediately. However, you may notice some sensitivity to hot or cold foods after the procedure.
What issues can tooth bonding take care of?
Tooth bonding is an option for a multitude of dental problems. Since it’s malleable and can be color-matched, it’s a versatile treatment option. It can contribute to whitening teeth, closing gaps between teeth, treating chips or cracks, making teeth appear straighter, and helping other issues.
Should I get tooth bonding or porcelain veneers?
Both are ideal options for a multitude of dental problems. Bonding is usually better for chips and cracks because it’s malleable and fits perfectly in the area. However, veneers are designed to be a permanent solution and are more durable than other options. It all depends on your preference and what Dr. Kim recommends for your specific case.
Does dental bonding hurt?
No, not at all. The bonding process isn’t invasive. We roughen the tooth’s surface so that the bonding material adheres better, but that’s it. We usually don’t need a local anesthetic, but we can if you’re more comfortable. Your comfort is our priority.
What’s the recovery time for dental bonding?
The dental bonding process only takes 30-60 minutes per bonded tooth. It’s not invasive, and you don’t require anesthetics, so there’s no downtime afterward. Once we harden the material at the end of the procedure, you’re set.
Am I a good candidate for dental bonding?
Most patients are good candidates for bonding as long as they have good oral health. Since bonding is removable, it’s even an option for children. It’s also one of the most affordable dental treatments, making it more widespread for patients.