Have you sustained a dental injury from an accident? Do you have discolored, crooked, or damaged teeth? Receive cosmetic dentistry treatment with dental bonding today. Dr. Jennifer Kalochie offers comfortable, quick teeth bonding therapy to her patients in Yardley, PA.
Dental bonding treatment uses a biocompatible resin to improve the appearance of tooth gaps, discoloration, misalignment, or damage. In addition, teeth bonding offers a quicker and more economical alternative to porcelain veneers. Dr. Kalochie can match bonded teeth to the color of natural teeth for the best results possible.
Teeth Bonding in Yardley, PA
Dr. Kalochie can complete your dental bonding procedure in just one visit to her office. This quick and easy cosmetic treatment involves several steps that will take about an hour. If you have several teeth that require treatment, it may take her more than one visit to complete. The steps in the tooth bonding process include:
- A Consultation With Dr. Kalochie: The first step it meet with Dr. Kalochie to discuss your dental concerns and goals. She will assess your teeth and then determine if bonding is the right solution for you.
- Prepare the Tooth: If you qualify, Dr. Kalochie will then prepare your teeth. She will gently etch the surface of the tooth that needs bonding. Preparing the teeth ensures that the bonding material adheres to the teeth.
- Choosing Shade That Matches Surrounding Teeth: To create a natural look, Dr. Kalochie will color-match your teeth using a shade guide. Matching the material to the shade guide ensures that your bonded teeth blend in with the rest of your natural smile.
- Apply the Bonding Material: Your dentist will apply the composite resin to the prepared tooth surface. She will carefully shape and mold the material to achieve the desired look and fill gaps or imperfections.
- Cure the Bonding Material: Using a special light, your dentist will harden or cure the composite resin, making it strong and durable. This step ensures the bonding material sets properly and adheres to your tooth.
- Final Adjustments: Dr. Kalochie will make any necessary adjustments to ensure the bonded tooth looks and feels natural. She will smooth and polish the surface to give it a beautiful, shiny finish.
How to Care for Bonded Teeth
Directly after treatment, we will ask you to avoid foods and beverages that easily stain your teeth for about two days. You will also need to avoid hard foods and biting your nails, which can damage the bonded teeth. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and non-abrasive toothpaste when brushing to minimize damage.
Good oral hygiene and regular dental care keep natural and bonded teeth bright and healthy. Remember to visit Dr. Kalochie’s office once or twice yearly for a dental cleaning and examination. To extend the life of your bonding treatment, you must follow our after-care instructions and practice good oral hygiene.
Dental Bonding FAQs
Dental bonding can be the solution for many oral health and cosmetic concerns. Read the answers to these commonly asked questions to learn more.
How long does dental bonding last?
On average, bonding lasts 3-7 years. The resin is designed to be strong enough to handle the wear and tear of everyday life. It lasts longer for patients who don’t have habits like nail biting and avoid chewing or biting down on the bonded tooth. Bonding material is also susceptible to staining and may stain quicker than natural tooth enamel if you regularly drink coffee or use tobacco.
Is dental bonding painful?
No, very little is required during the bonding procedure. All we do is roughen up the tooth’s surface to make it easier for the bonding material to adhere to your tooth. At most, you’ll experience some sensitivity for a few days following the procedure. If you still have problems after a week, call our office to get it checked out.
How long does dental bonding take?
Bonding is an easy process that can be done in a single visit to our office. It takes 30 minutes to an hour to bond a single tooth. Typically, we’ll bond a maximum of 2-3 teeth in a single appointment. Factors that impact the time include where the tooth is located in your mouth and the issues, as some teeth are harder to treat than others.
How long do I have to wait to eat or drink after bonding?
You can go grab lunch immediately after your bonding appointment. The light we use completely cures and hardens the resin while you’re in our office. We recommend that you don’t bite down on hard food with your bonded tooth and try to chew on the opposite side of the mouth if possible.
Will my teeth feel weird after dental bonding?
Our mouths are very susceptible to even the smallest changes. Even though the bonding material fits close to the tooth and shouldn’t be bigger than natural teeth, it may still feel odd. Your tooth will fill a bit bulkier than normal. As your mouth adjusts to this new restoration, it’ll feel normal. This usually takes a week or two.
Am I a good candidate for dental bonding?
One of the best things about dental bonding is that almost anyone is eligible for it. It’s temporary and removable, so we can even use it for children. Bonding is also one of the most affordable dental procedures. If you don’t have insurance, bonding is still an affordable option. We won’t use bonding for crooked teeth that cause serious bite problems. You may also not be eligible to get it if you have severe oral health issues.
Will my dental insurance cover dental bonding?
Dental insurance coverage for bonding procedures can vary. Some insurance plans may cover some of the cost, especially if Dr. Kalochie deems it medically necessary, like fixing a broken tooth. However, for cosmetic bonding, dental insurance will likely not provide coverage. We highly suggest checking with your insurance provider to understand your specific plan’s coverage and any potential out-of-pocket costs.
Are there limitations with teeth bonding?
Dental bonding has its limitations. While it’s a great quick fix for minor issues, it may not be as durable as other treatments for more extensive problems. Bonding might not be suitable for large fillings or significant repairs. It’s also not as long-lasting as other options, so it might need to be redone over time.
Fix Your Smile Today with teeth bonding in Yardley, PA
Are you interested in dental bonding? Contact Dr. Kalochie for treatment today at 267-592-3552. You may also request a dental appointment on our website. Do you have any questions about tooth bonding treatment?
Ask our dental team at your next dental visit. They will help determine if dental bonding is appropriate for your needs.