Dr. Stephen Hoard is a cosmetic dentist in New Bern, North Carolina. Dr. Hoard offers tooth bonding to correct minor cosmetic dental concerns such as spaces and gaps between teeth, chipped teeth, and stained teeth. Tooth bonding is a fast, affordable treatment that is usually completed in a single visit to our New Bern dentist office.
What is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding is a procedure in which a tooth-colored resin material (a durable plastic material) is applied and hardened with a special UV light. The material is bonded to the tooth to restore or improve your smile aesthetics.
Is Tooth Bonding Right For Me?
Dental bonding is a quick and affordable cosmetic dentistry treatment that can:
- Repair chipped or cracked teeth
- Improve the appearance of discolored teeth
- Close spaces between teeth
- Make teeth look longer
- Improve the shape of teeth
The Teeth Bonding Procedure in New Bern, NC
Minimal tooth preparation is needed for a dental bonding procedure. Anesthesia is often not necessary unless the bonding is being used to fill a decayed tooth. Dr. Hoard will select a composite resin color that will closely match the color of your natural teeth for virtually unnoticeable treatment.
The procedure begins with a thorough dental exam and cleaning. The next step is to prepare your tooth. The surface of your tooth will be slightly abraded, and a conditioning liquid will be applied, to help the bonding resin adhere to the tooth. The tooth-colored, puttylike resin is then applied, molded, and smoothed to the desired shape.
The material is hardened by an ultraviolet light or dental laser. Once the composite has cured, Dr. Hoard will trim, shape, and polish it to match the sheen of the rest of the tooth surface.
A dental bonding procedure is usually completed in a single visit and take less than an hour to complete.
Dental Bonding FAQs
Read answers to common questions about teeth bonding in New Bern, NC:
Do teeth that have been bonded require special care?
Not really! Taking care of bonded teeth is easy. Just follow these simple steps to keep them looking great and staying healthy:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles from between your teeth and around the bonded areas.
- Visit our dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings to make sure everything stays in good shape.
How long does bonding material last?
Typically, bonding material lasts from 3 to about 10 years before it needs to be touched up or replaced. This can depend on the amount of bonding was used, and your oral habits. If you want a more long-lasting solution, Dr. Hoard may recommend porcelain veneers or dental crowns to reinforce your tooth and restore proper function for a longer period of time.
Is tooth bonding permanent?
No. Tooth bonding is reversible and repairable. Bonding material can chip and crack. It is important to avoid habits such as biting fingernails, chewing on pens, ice, or other hard food objects, or using your bonded teeth as an opener. Call our dentist if you notice any sharp edges on a bonded tooth, any chips or pieces falling off, or if your tooth feels odd when you bite down.
Can my dentist remove tooth bonding?
Yes, our dentist can remove tooth bonding. The process involves using a drill and/or a laser to remove the bonding material from the tooth. Only a dentist should perform this procedure to avoid damaging the tooth structure. If you’re unhappy with your tooth bonding, it’s best to schedule an appointment with our dentist to discuss your options.
Does bonding require tooth preparation like veneers?
Tooth bonding requires very little preparation compared to veneers. With bonding, the dentist only needs to roughen the surface of your tooth slightly and apply a special liquid to help the bonding material stick. Veneers usually require the dentist to remove a thin layer of enamel from your tooth to make room for the veneer. Since bonding doesn’t remove as much enamel, it offers a less invasive treatment and can often be done in one visit.
Can tooth bonding fix a slightly misaligned tooth?
Yes, tooth bonding can help improve the look of a slightly misaligned tooth. We can apply bonding material to reshape the tooth and make it look more even with the rest of your teeth. However, bonding can’t move teeth like braces or clear aligners. If the misalignment is more severe, our dentist may recommend orthodontic treatment instead.
Is a dental bonding procedure painful?
Dental bonding is usually not a painful procedure. In fact, the treatment does not require anesthesia unless the dentist uses it to fill a decayed tooth. However, some patients might experience slight discomfort or sensitivity during or after the procedure. This is normally temporary and subsides within a few days. If you have concerns about pain, discuss them with our dentist.
Can tooth bonding be done in a single visit to the dentist?
One of the advantages of tooth bonding is that the dentist can usually complete the procedure in a single visit. The treatment usually takes between 30 to 60 minutes per tooth. Unlike veneers or crowns, bonding does not require a dental lab. However, if you’re having several teeth done, you may have to schedule additional appointments.
Cover Damaged and Stained Teeth
Do you need to treat a chipped tooth? Do you have a single stained tooth that impacts the look of your smile?
Get teeth bonding in New Bern, NC. Call Dr. Hoard at (252) 507-0373. You can also schedule an appointment online.