Cosmetic Dentist Serving Lakewood, Denver, Golden & Nearby Colorado
Your oral health is an essential part of the wellbeing of your entire body. Studies have shown that gum disease and missing teeth can increase your chance of heart disease, diabetes and stroke. What’s more, your smile is an important part of every first impression whether it’s a date or an interview. Cosmetic dentistry treatments such as teeth bonding can improve both the health and appearance of your smile.
If you’re interested in teeth bonding, please contact our cosmetic dentist in Denver today at (303) 988-9060 to schedule your dental exam and consultation. Dr. Scott Greenhalgh serves clients in Denver, Lakewood and nearby areas of Colorado.
What Is Teeth Bonding?
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Teeth bonding is a composite resin material used to repair various cosmetic tooth flaws such as chipped teeth. Teeth bonding can also refer to the process of bonding various dental restorations to the teeth. This cosmetic dentistry treatment uses a versatile and useful high-tech plastic substance that can correct dental defects such as:
- Gaps between teeth
- Minor crookedness
- Unevenly sized teeth
- Tooth discoloration resistant to tooth whitening
- Small chips
- Shallow cracks
Good candidates for Dental Bonding
Anyone can have dental bonding as a cosmetic repair for a tooth. Maybe you have a tooth that is discolored from tetracycline you were given as a child. Maybe you have a chip on a corner you’d like to fix. You can see the areas we use dental bonding listed above.
One thing is important to know with bonding, however. It is only a cosmetic fix. If a tooth has a true problem, such as decay or a deep crack, those issues cannot be covered up with composite resin in a dental bonding treatment. Dr. Greenhalgh would first have to resolve the issue for the tooth to then be eligible for the aesthetic improvements of bonding.
Certain more involved issues, such as large chips or wide gaps, cannot be fixed with bonding. The tooth in these cases would most likely need a crown.
Are there any risks involved with Dental Bonding?
There isn’t any recovery or risk involved with dental bonding. The composite resin is applied only to the outer surface of the tooth after Dr. Greenhalgh first lightly etches the tooth for better adhesion. There are no incisions or anything invasive with these procedures.
As for composite resin, it is completely safe. Composite resin is made from a mixture of acrylic and glass. It is fast becoming the standard for fillings, replacing silver amalgam (which has been used for 150 years, but is made up of mostly mercury and other metals). Composite resin is completely safe, durable, and is basically invisible when placed on a tooth.
The Advantages & Disadvantages of Tooth Bonding
Tooth bonding is a non-invasive procedure which can be done in one visit to our Denver office. The composite resin is matched to the color of your natural teeth and offers a simple, convenient way to correct cosmetic flaws. Teeth bonding is an effective treatment for many patients which offers several advantages. However, teeth bonding isn’t the right choice for everyone.
Although tooth bonding may be the best option for some, it can be less durable and aesthetically appealing than other cosmetic dentistry treatments Dr. Greenhalgh offers. During your initial consultation, our cosmetic dentist will discuss your goals for your smile and the best way to achieve your priorities. Treatments comparable to teeth bonding include:
View our Before and After Gallery to see the results of various cosmetic dentistry options.
Does Dental Bonding damage your teeth?
One advantage of dental bonding compared to the placement of veneers or a crown is that bonding doesn’t impact the underlying tooth. With both porcelain veneers and crowns, some of the healthy tooth enamel is removed to make room for the prosthetic on the tooth. These are permanent changes, so the tooth or teeth will always need to be covered by the crown or the veneer/veneers.
With dental bonding, the tooth enamel is only lightly etched to create a little better surface for adhering the composite resin. This doesn’t damage the tooth or reduce the remaining healthy tooth mass in the least.
How long Dental Bonding usually takes
Dr. Greenhalgh sculpts the composite resin in layers, hardening each layer as he goes. Depending on if you’re having a small area, such as a chip, bonded or if you’re having more than one spot addressed, these treatments take from 30 to 60 minutes.
Do I need to prepare for the Tooth Bonding procedure?
There isn’t any preparation necessary. These are straightforward, quick procedures performed by Dr. Greenhalgh in our Lakewood office. Because bonding is applied to the exterior of the tooth, there isn’t any need for anesthetic.
How Is Teeth Bonding Completed?
Tooth bonding is completed in a single visit following your initial consultation. Dr. Greenhalgh will apply the dental bonding material incrementally, building up the restoration needed for your tooth issue. He will do any necessary fine-tuning and use a curing light for a few seconds to harden the composite resin. The bonding substance is now hard and firmly affixed to your tooth.
You can care for your bonded teeth the same way you care for your natural teeth, by brushing twice a day and flossing to remove plaque and food particles from all surfaces. Be careful not to chew on hard things such as pens and ice as it could damage your newly bonded teeth.
Will my Teeth hurt after Dental Bonding?
No. This is a completely painless procedure. Patients don’t even require local anesthetic. There isn’t any residual soreness; these are completely topical applications.
Is Teeth Bonding Right for Everyone?
Most patients can benefit from teeth bonding, especially if they want to mask minor chips, staining, or gaps in the teeth. Patients who need major dental restorations should address those concerns prior to having bonding performed.
Will My Insurance Cover Teeth Bonding?
In most cases, teeth bonding is considered a cosmetic procedure and might not be covered by insurance. However, if teeth bonding is found to be a necessity for chewing, your insurance may cover a portion or in full. It is best to check with your insurance company prior to starting treatment.
Does Teeth Bonding Require Special At-Home Care?
No, bonded teeth do not require special care. You should continue your regular at-home oral hygiene regimen unless instructed otherwise by your dentist. You also need to avoid consuming food or drink that can stain your teeth. These include coffee, tea, red sauces, and colored juices.
Is Bonding Permanent?
Teeth bonding is a semi-permanent solution, which will require ongoing dental care to maintain. Over time, the material may start to wear down, stain, or tear. In addition, you may also develop other dental needs that can only be addressed by a dentist who specializes in dental bonding.
What Are the Alternatives?
There are alternative treatments to teeth bonding, all of which can help improve the appearance of your smile. These include veneers, crowns, and dental bridges.
Patient Testimonial
"Dr. Greenhalgh has been our dentist for more than 10 years. He was referred by the Bruce Family, who are very close friends. We enjoy our care with the facility. Although we have moved to Arvada, we do not mind going out of our way to get the constant good dental care we have had all these years. Congratulations on any award you receive, Dr. Greenhalgh. You surely will receive our business now and in the future." -Don
How Long Tooth Bonding Lasts
There is no definite time limit, but tooth bonding can last up to ten years or longer. Bonding can crack and chip when placed under chewing or biting pressure and may eventually discolor. Your tooth bonding can be repaired or replaced when needed.
How long after can I eat or drink?
Dr. Greenhalgh instantly cures the composite resin he uses for your bonding, allowing it to fully harden. That allows him to smooth and polish the resin immediately. Because of that, there aren’t any restrictions on when you can eat or drink. You can use your bonded tooth immediately.
New composite resin is somewhat more susceptible to staining for a brief period, however. So, for the first two days after your bonding you should avoid coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco.
How to care for your Teeth after the Bonding
Teeth that have been bonded with composite resin don’t need any special care. Simply follow your typical good home hygiene practices of brushing for two minutes twice a day and flossing once a day. And be sure to keep your twice-yearly professional exams and cleanings with our team.
Why Choose Denver Cosmetic Dentist Dr. Scott Greenhalgh?
Dr. Greenhalgh always talks with new patients to identify what aspects of your teeth you’d like to fix and any oral health issues that may be concerning you. He will conduct a thorough dental exam, taking digital photographs and X-rays and explaining what he sees happening with your dental health. Only after all issues have been discussed and your questions have been answered, will Dr. Greenhalgh proceed with any dental work.
We realize many people have anxiety about visiting the dentist. We understand that feeling and offer options to ease dental work anxiety.
If you’re unhappy with any aspect of your teeth or overall smile, please contact our cosmetic dentist in Denver today at (303) 988-9060 to schedule your consultation. Dr. Greenhalgh and our skilled staff provide general and cosmetic dentistry to clients in Denver, Lakewood and nearby Colorado areas.
