Dental Bonding
Dental Bonding Is Simple, Fast, and Cost-Effective
An Affordable Option
In general, dental bonding is more cost-effective than other treatments which are also intended to conceal cosmetic concerns, such as porcelain veneers and dental crowns.
Conservative Care
Dr. Clint Newman and Dr. Thomas Underwood can perform bonding with minimal alteration to the tooth's structure. Because treatment does not require removal of your enamel, it is also reversible.
Immediate Results
One of the greatest benefits of dental bonding is that it can be completed in just one office visit. The entire appointment generally takes less than one hour.Watch how simple yet transformative the treatment is...
Do you feel embarrassed about the look of your smile?
Many Other Adults Feel the Same Way
*According to a survey conducted by the American Dental Association.
Can dental bonding conceal your unique concern?
Most Commonly Used for Minor Cosmetic Issues
Dental bonding is a great option for patients who have minor cosmetic concerns that need to be quickly addressed. Because it is reversible, the procedure is also a great option for patients who are not sure they are ready to commit to more extensive and permanent procedures like veneers.
Are you a good candidate for dental bonding?
Requirements and Considerations for Patients Considering Bonding
Good Oral Health
Prior to undergoing any cosmetic dentistry treatment, you should be in good oral health and free of cavities, gum disease, or severely damaged teeth. If you have any outstanding oral health concerns, your dentist can treat these prior to your bonding appointment.Healthy Lifestyle
Unlike porcelain, composite resin is not stain-resistant. Therefore, smoking and other lifestyle factors can cause the tooth-colored material to darken or stain. If you want to preserve the results for as long as possible, you should be committed to a healthy lifestyle.
Realistic Expectations
If you are considering dental bonding, you should have realistic expectations about what treatment can and cannot do. While dental bonding can improve the look of your smile, it cannot restore severely damaged teeth. And while the results can last for many years, you will eventually need to touch-up your treatment.More Information About Dental Bonding
Teeth out of alignment can be easily fixed by adding tooth-colored composite material to make them look straight. This same material can be used to close the gaps between teeth. Dental bonding can cover discolorations or help rotate a protruding tooth. Bonding is the least invasive way to enhance your smile, and its affordability makes it a favorite among our Nashville, TN, patients, and can also be combined with teeth whitening, crowns, or a complete smile makeover. Involving the layered application of durable plastic bonding material, dental bonds are sculpted to attain the most natural-looking addition to your smile line.
Dr. Newman has been performing dental bonding for over 20 years. He has the experience and knowledge to produce excellent results for his patients.
Each dental patient’s case is, of course, unique and requires individual attention from Dr. Newman. During your consultation, he will conduct a thorough examination of your mouth to decide on the care plan that best suits you. He will review all of your options and discuss the differences between dental bonding and porcelain veneers.
Clint Newman, DDS, has been performing dental bonding for over 20 years. He has the experience and knowledge to produce excellent results for his patients.
Understanding the Procedure
Cosmetic application of dental resin generally consists of three steps. During the first part of the process, your teeth will be prepped by gently scratching the surface of the tooth so that the bonding material will adhere and by applying priming liquid.
Applying the dental bonding material in three layers, Dr. Newman will use the first layer to match the root color, the second to match the enamel, and the third to match the translucency. This layering technique is used in order to create the most natural look.
Finally, the bonding material is sculpted to fit the contours of the rest of your smile before a special light is used to harden it.
Bonding Results
Post-Bonding Care
Bonded teeth require the same care as your natural teeth. Keeping good oral hygiene habits is the key to maintaining a healthy and beautiful smile. Good oral habits include brushing and flossing at least twice a day, making routine appointments for check-ups with Dr. Newman.
Bonding material does have the potential to chip, so biting on hard things such as your fingernails, pens, ice or especially hard food may cause damage. If the feeling in your tooth changes from the time of the procedure, the bond may have chipped and you should consult Dr. Newman for a check-up. Full post-dental bonding care information can be acquired from our Nashville staff.
Dental Bonding vs. Porcelain Veneers
Dental bonding and porcelain veneers are solutions for patients dissatisfied with imperfections such as discoloration, chips, or uneven teeth. When comparing dental bonding vs. veneers, patients should consider the differences in the type of materials used and the longevity of those materials, as well as the price. For many patients, bonding and veneers can address the same cosmetic issues. However, when possible, Dr. Newman highly recommends porcelain veneers due to the exceptional, lifelike results they can provide. We offer both procedures at our Nashville, TN, dental office.
Composite Resin vs. Dental Porcelain
One of the primary differences between these two treatments is the material used to complete the transformation. Dental bonding uses composite resin, the same substance used for dental fillings. Using this material, Dr. Newman can restore chips or cracks, fill in gaps in your smile, and address mild discoloration.
We use advanced versions of porcelain, such as IPS e.max® and Empress®, for attractive, natural-looking results.
In contrast, veneers are thin shells made from dental porcelain, which mimic many of the reflective properties of natural teeth. They can address most of the same issues as bonding, but the width of the veneer allows it to conceal severe discoloration. In addition, porcelain is more durable and resistant to staining than composite resin. At our practice, Dr. Newman uses advanced versions of porcelain, such as IPS e.max® and Empress®, for attractive, natural-looking results.
The Application Process
The application process is another difference between these two cosmetic dentistry solutions.
Direct Bonding
During a dental bonding procedure, Dr. Newman applies the resin directly to the surface of your teeth. First, he will etch the surface of your teeth to create a rough surface and encourage the bonding material to adhere. He will then apply the resin and shape it to blend seamlessly with the surrounding teeth. A typical bonding treatment takes 30 minutes to one hour and can accomplish results in a single visit.
Lab Fabrication
Porcelain veneers require at least two visits to complete. Dr. Newman will first prepare your teeth by removing a thin layer of enamel. This process allows the veneers to fit properly without appearing bulky. We will then take impressions of your prepared teeth and send the information to our dental laboratory, Macstudio, for fabrication. When the veneers are complete, Dr. Newman can secure them to your teeth for a fully transformed smile.
Comparing Costs
Just as with all dental procedures, cost varies greatly depending on the extent of treatment. However, in general, the cost of dental bonding is less than the cost of porcelain veneers. The amount of work involved and quality of the materials are significantly different between the two procedures. During your consultation, Dr. Newman will review the costs of both procedures and provide a recommendation based on your specific needs, goals, and budget.
Treatment Tailored to Your Needs
The best way to find out which treatment is best for you is to schedule an in-depth conversation with Dr. Newman. During the meeting, you can discuss the pros and cons of each method and Dr. Newman can answer any questions you have. Based on your conversation, he will recommend the optimal treatment for you.