Minor chips, cracks, or discoloration may not be considered dental emergencies. However, these problems can impact the look of your smile and, in turn, hurt your self-confidence. Fortunately, with the help of a dentist, a process known as tooth or dental bonding can repair and conceal these issues. If you’re looking for a simple way to restore the look of your smile, here’s what you should know about this cosmetic dentistry treatment.

What Happens During Treatment?

Tooth bonding is a relatively quick out-patient procedure that can be completed in just one visit. During treatment, your cosmetic dentistry specialist will first clean and prepare your tooth. Next, a pliable synthetic resin is carefully applied to the affected area. Your dentist will then expose the tooth to special lighting that hardens the resin. Adjustments—such as polishing—may be performed to perfect the look of the treatment.

Do the Results Look Natural?

The dental resin used in tooth bonding is designed to match the color of enamel. This is to give it a natural appearance. Since the resin is custom-shaped to fit the look of your smile, the results shouldn’t be noticeable to others.

Is Tooth Bonding Expensive?

Compared to other cosmetic dentistry solutions—including veneers, teeth whitening, and dental crowns—tooth bonding is relatively inexpensive. If bonding is performed to treat structural issues with the teeth, it may be covered by your dental insurance plan. Talk to your dentist about payment options.

How Long Do Results Last?

With proper care, dental bonding results can last several years, even up to a decade. To make sure your smile is kept intact, it is important to practice regular oral hygiene at home. This means avoiding staining foods and drinks, as well as visiting your dentist every six months for standard cleanings.

Is It Right for Me?

Dental bonding may not always be an appropriate treatment, especially if the damage is sizable. If a crack or chip has exposed sensitive portions of the tooth, you may require a root canal and dental crown to restore your smile. If the cosmetic issue spreads across the entire enamel surface, such as staining, it may be more effective to place veneers over the blemish.

When you want to address tooth damage with high-quality bonding services, turn to the trusted team at Fielden Family Dentistry in High Point, NC. Delivering comprehensive general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry services, this clinic will guide you through the tooth bonding process with confidence. Placing a high priority on patient comfort and satisfaction, this dentist takes a gentle approach to ensure you feel at ease during every part of treatment. To learn more about their state-of-the-art dental services, visit this provider online. For appointments, call a friendly staff member at (336) 889-2434.