Bonding is a procedure in which an adhering composite, made of glass and plastic, is applied to the tooth for variety of functions. It can repair the damage done by extensive decay, align the tooth, fill in gaps between teeth, or be used for cosmetic purposes like repairing smaller tooth chips, cracks, and discoloration.
The composite resin binds itself to teeth to maintain a firm dental structure. Because the resin comes in many shades and hues, it’s possible to pick out the perfect color match for each patient’s teeth. Once the procedure is completed, patients can walk away with a beautiful, new smile for an affordable cost!
What Does the Composite Bonding Procedure Look Like?
First the surface of the tooth is roughened in order to receive the bonding agent. A gel is applied to micro etch the surface of the tooth, and a primer/bond agent is applied in order to adhere the material to the surface. The material is then placed on the tooth and solidified with intensive light. Last, the composite resin is polished and shaped to give a lustrous finish.
The entire bonding procedure can be completed in a single visit to our dental office! There’s no need to wait for molds to be sent to a dental laboratory; we have all the tools we need at our clinic in Wasilla for a quick procedure and finely crafted composite bonding.
Usually you can expect a bonding appointment to take between half an hour to an hour. In many cases the procedure won’t even require anesthesia. Schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Kris Gurr at Meridian Dental to see if composite bonding is right for you!
What Else Should I Know About Bonding?
Here are a few other details to note about composite bonding:
- Bonding is similar to a dental veneer, but not as expensive: Like a veneer, composite bonding resin can be placed in a thin layer around a tooth to cover any imperfections. However it doesn’t need to be sent into a dental lab for manufacturing as a veneer would. Since individual, customized pieces don’t have to be created outside the office, bonding becomes a more affordable cosmetic alternative to veneers.
- Not as long-lasting as veneers: While less expensive than dental veneers, composite bonding won’t last as long. Patients can expect bonding normally to last up to ten years. This makes composite bonding a great treatment for teenagers, or patients whose teeth haven’t fully matured yet, but still want a sturdy and attractive fix for chipped teeth, cracked teeth, teeth discolorations, etc.
- How to take care of teeth after bonding: Clean your bonded teeth the same as you would before the bonding procedure by brushing and flossing each day and visiting a dental office for biannual teeth cleanings. Realize, though, that composite bonding stains just as teeth often do. So, as much as you can, avoid food, drink, and substances that stain including coffee and red wine.
- Whiten teeth beforehand: While composite bonding can get stained and turn a darker shade, it won’t respond to or lighten with teeth whitening treatments. So if you think you’ll want to whiten your teeth in the future, it’s best to do it before undergoing a teeth bonding procedure. That way, our dentist can pick a composite color match for your teeth’s whiter hue, rather than matching the composite bonding to a darker shade that will eventually be a different color after whitening.
Contact Meridian Dental for Composite Bonding in Wasilla!
Get in touch with Meridian Dental when you are searching for a cosmetic dentist in Wasilla AK to perform composite bonding and other services. Our dentist and entire team treat patients with the respect and care they deserve from the moment they step into our dental office. Call us today to get started on beautifying your smile!
