During your initial consultation, our Thousand Oaks cosmetic dentist will assess the health of your teeth and gums. We will also discuss your aesthetic goals for treatment. We will then develop a personalized treatment plan based on this information.
Before beginning the bonding procedure, we will prepare your teeth by roughening their surface. This helps the bonding material to adhere better to your teeth. Next, we will apply a conditioning solution to etch your teeth' surface.
Once your teeth have been prepared, we will select a shade of dental composite that closely matches the color of your natural teeth. Dr. Woodall will then carefully apply the composite material to your teeth and shape them to create the desired results. Finally, he will harden the material using ultraviolet light.
Many cosmetic issues can be treated with dental bonding. One of the most common is chipped teeth. When a tooth chips, it can leave an unsightly gap in your smile. Bonding can help to fill in this gap and restore your smile to its original beauty.
Other cosmetic issues that can be treated with bonding include gaps between teeth, misshapen teeth, and stained teeth. Bonding can also change the shape of your teeth or make them appear longer or shorter. No matter what cosmetic issue you are dealing with, the Stephen Woodall Family Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry team is ready to help.
Bonding can last up to ten years before it needs to be repaired or replaced. However, the lifespan of dental bonding will vary depending on the location of the bond, your oral habits, and how well you take care of your teeth. For example, bonds on your front teeth may not last as long as bonds on your molars because they are more likely to come into contact with hard foods and acidic beverages.
If you take care of your bonded teeth and avoid habits that can damage them, your bonds should last for many years. To help keep your bonded teeth healthy and looking their best you should: brush at least twice a day with toothpaste that contains fluoride, floss daily, and see your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups.
Dental bonding is among the least expensive cosmetic dental treatments, costing between $100 and $500 per tooth. Other cosmetic procedures like getting veneers, dental implants, and dental crowns cost thousands of dollars.
Dental bonding is also less time-consuming than other cosmetic dental procedures. The process requires very little preparation and involves applying layers of composite resin on the affected teeth. After this, the dentist uses a special light to cure the resin material for a few seconds. All in all, the process takes 30 to 60 minutes.
That’s not all, dentists recommend dental bonding for patients with severe chronic dental anxiety because it’s minimally invasive. In fact, the most invasive aspect of dental bonding is using etching acid to roughen the surface of the enamel. Otherwise, dental bonding doesn’t require local anesthetic, incision of the gum tissue, or drilling, unlike other cosmetic dental procedures.
When it comes to enhancing the appearance of teeth, dental bonding offers a versatile solution. This non-invasive procedure involves applying a composite resin material to the tooth surface, which can be molded and shaped to correct various cosmetic issues.
Dental bonding is commonly used to repair chipped or cracked teeth, fill in gaps or spaces between teeth, and improve the appearance of discolored or stained teeth. Moreover, dental bonding can also alter the shape and size of teeth to create a more harmonious smile.
The ability to address multiple cosmetic concerns in a single treatment makes dental bonding an attractive option for individuals seeking a quick and effective smile makeover. Consulting with a dentist will help determine if dental bonding is suitable for addressing specific cosmetic issues and achieving the desired results.
Most insurance companies consider dental bonding as a cosmetic treatment and, as such, don’t offer coverage. However, it’s worth noting that some insurance companies may cover a portion of the dental bonding cost.
Other insurance companies will cover dental bonding costs, depending on the circumstance. For instance, the insurer might cover dental bonding for teeth fractured from a fall or a road accident. They might also cover dental bonding costs for addressing tooth decay since it’s a form of restorative treatment to prevent further decay.
Caring for your bonded teeth is as easy as brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes twice daily. You should also floss at least once a day and use fluoridated mouthwash to rinse debris and food particles from your mouth. You should also avoid biting down on hard foods and objects or you might chip your bonded teeth.