Is Dental Bonding the Right Cosmetic Dentistry Procedure for You?

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Do you hesitate to smile due to a crack, chip, staining, a misshapen tooth, or a larger-than-normal gap between your front teeth? Dental bonding in Athens, TX, is a quick and budget-friendly way to improve your smile.

What is Dental Bonding?

With dental bonding, your dentist applies composite material to your tooth to cover your cosmetic issue. After placing the material directly on your tooth, your dentist then sculpts the material to fit the exact shape of your tooth. Dental bonding materials are the same shade as teeth, so no one needs to know you had a cosmetic procedure done unless you tell them. After ensuring that the material has hardened, your dentist polishes your tooth for the last step.

The dental team at Athens Smiles may also use bonding material to treat minor tooth decay. As with cosmetic procedures, the material is the same shade as your teeth. We recommend checking with your dental insurance company to see if you have coverage for dental bonding. Some insurance carriers will only cover non-cosmetic applications.

Some Things to Keep in Mind About Dental Bonding

You only need to schedule one appointment, and the entire process takes approximately 30 minutes to one hour. Your dentist may need to remove a small amount of tooth enamel to prevent the tooth from appearing too bulky.

The bonding material on your tooth may become stained over time. Be sure to avoid dark-colored drinks like coffee and red wine, and don’t smoke for at least 48 hours after the procedure. The typical lifespan of bonding materials is three to seven years, depending on whether you smoke and how well you care for your oral health.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have additional questions about dental bonding in Athens, TX.

Sources

How Dental Bonding Alters the Look of Your Teeth – Dental Health Center (everydayhealth.com)

The Teeth-Whitening Process From Start to Finish

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Wish you could have a brighter, whiter smile? Teeth whitening is a common procedure that has helped millions of people achieve just that. Performed in the comfort of your dentist’s office, teeth whitening is non-invasive and painless, and will leave you with beautiful results. Ask your dentist in Athens, TX, if teeth whitening is right for you.

How Does Your Dentist Whiten Your Teeth?

First, your dentist will perform an oral exam to make sure your teeth and gums are healthy and in good condition. Next, they’ll clean your teeth thoroughly and decide which shade of white is best for you.

Before your dentist applies the whitening agent, they’ll apply a protective gel to your gums to avoid irritation. Afterward, they’ll apply the whitening compound, usually a mixture containing hydrogen peroxide, to the front of your teeth. This mixture usually stays on for around 30 minutes before it’s rinsed away. Your dentist may then brush your teeth thoroughly and apply a fluoride treatment.

Will Your Teeth Look Whiter Right Away?

Yes! The whitening materials used by your dentist are much stronger than the over-the-counter kits available in your local drug store. Therefore, it’s not unusual to see a big difference in the whiteness and brightness of your teeth on the same day.

Can You Just Whiten Your Teeth at Home?

You can, but we don’t recommend it. Over-the-counter kits take much longer to produce results, meaning it can take weeks before you begin to see a subtle difference in the whiteness of your teeth. They may also be less effective on certain types of stains and discolorations. If you do decide to use a home teeth-whitening kit, we recommend you talk with your dentist first to learn more about the process and to get recommendations on the best kit to use.

Where Can You Find Teeth Whitening in Athens, TX

If you’re interested in teeth whitening in Athens, TX, call Athens Smiles Family Dental to schedule a consultation. At Athens Smiles, we’re always happy to sit down with you to discuss your dental goals. Book your appointment today.

Sources

Teeth Whitening

Cosmetic Dental Bonding: Improve Your Smile on a Budget  

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People consider dental bonding in Athens, Texas for the same reasons they consider several other types of cosmetic dentistry procedures. These include a gap between the two front teeth, a cracked or chipped tooth, a misshapen tooth, or a discolored tooth. The process is simple and typically only requires a single appointment since it focuses on just the front two teeth. Dental bonding is often more affordable when compared to other cosmetic dentistry procedures as well.

What to Expect with the Dental Bonding Procedure

The first thing your dentist does when you visit Athens Smiles for a cosmetic dentistry consultation is evaluate the condition of all your teeth. The purpose of the evaluation is to determine the severity of your cosmetic dental issue and whether bonding material is the appropriate solution for you.

If the two of you agree that bonding is the best way to improve the appearance of your smile, your dentist moves onto roughing the tooth to prepare it for bonding. Removing a tiny amount of tooth enamel ensures that the bonding material will remain firmly adhered to your tooth. Once the bonding material is in place, your dentist uses an ultraviolet curing light that speeds up the process of hardening the material.

Before dismissing you to go home, your dentist trims the putty-like substance from your tooth. The primary ingredient in the bonding material is composite resin, and it is similar to what dentists use to fill cavities. You can now smile confidently knowing that others can no longer see your minor cosmetic dentistry problem or notice that you have had it treated. Most people do not need to repeat the procedure for up to 10 years. The approximate cost is up to $600 per tooth.

Contact Your Athens, TX, Dentist Today

Please contact Athens Smiles to request a consultation for dental bonding in Athens, Texas today.