A Quick and Convenient Cosmetic Dental Solution
It can be difficult to keep your smile free of cosmetic imperfections. Oral health conditions, dental trauma, and even genetics can all contribute to the staining or chipping of your teeth. Patients may feel self-conscious about their smiles, and don’t want to face the expenses of costly cosmetic dentistry treatments.
The team at Locke Family Dentistry offers dental bonding treatments as an affordable and painless way to restore your smile’s appearance. Our Pineville cosmetic dentist, Dr. Virginia Locke, is proud to offer this versatile treatment at her dental office near Alexandria and Rapides Parish, LA. Read on to discover if dental bonding may be the cosmetic solution you’ve been waiting for.
What is Dental Bonding?
Ideal for cosmetic dental imperfections, our dentist will create resin for your treatment that matches the shade of your smile for a seamless appearance. She’ll also ensure the restoration matches the shape and size of your surrounding teeth.
The composite resin of dental bonding is sturdy enough to withstand your daily habits, so you can chew, smile, and speak with confidence. Best of all, dental bonding requires little to no preparation, meaning Dr. Locke may not need to administer local anesthesia.
Benefits of Dental Bonding
Dental bonding comes with a host of benefits that make it a unique and preferred cosmetic treatment among patients. Some advantages of this procedure include:
- Affordability: Dental bonding is a cost-effective alternative to dental crowns or porcelain veneers, as it requires very little prep time and materials.
- Versatility: Dental bonding can be used for both cosmetic and restorative purposes, helping to resolve chipped, stained, or misshapen teeth with ease.
- Short Procedure Time: On average, dental bonding takes between 30 and 60 minutes per tooth to complete.
- Minimally Invasive Procedure: Unlike other cosmetic treatments, dental bonding typically doesn’t require the removal of any enamel, making it a minimally invasive and painless process.
What Can Dental Bonding Fix?
Because dental bonding is such a versatile treatment, our cosmetic dentist in Alexandria can use it to resolve several dental issues. Dr. Locke may recommend dental bonding to patients whose teeth are:
- Stained or discolored
- Chipped, cracked, or broken
- Misshapen
- Unevenly spaced
- Decayed
She can also use dental bonding to conceal exposed tooth roots and protect your tooth from further damage. Schedule a consultation today to learn if dental bonding is ideal for you.
The Dental Bonding Process
Depending on the details of your treatment plan, your dental bonding treatment can be completed in just one appointment at our dentist’s office. Dr. Locke may begin by administering a local anesthetic, which is optional in the case of dental bonding. She’ll then lightly etch the targeted tooth’s surface before applying a liquid to help keep the cosmetic resin in place.
Once the liquid sets, our dentist will place and mold the resin to the desired shape, making sure your restoration blends in with your smile. The hardened resin will be smoothed and trimmed where necessary to achieve a natural-looking result. After making sure the bonding is set as it should and fits comfortably in your mouth, you’re free to leave our Pineville office with a restored, beautiful smile!
Frequently Asked Questions:
How long does dental bonding last?
The results of dental bonding last about three to five years, but may last up to 10 years with proper care and maintenance. You can get the most out of your treatment by practicing good oral hygiene, as daily brushing and flossing are great ways to keep your mouth free of unhealthy bacteria.
We encourage patients to visit our Pineville dentist at least once every six months for routine dental visits. Regular appointments consist of expert dental exams and cleanings, which can help keep your restoration and oral health in prime condition.
How much does dental bonding cost?
The cost of dental bonding depends on several factors, such as how many teeth were treated. Dr. Locke will provide you with a cost estimate of your procedure at your initial appointment. We recommend contacting your dental insurance provider to learn more about your plan’s coverage.
Our friendly team members will help file your claim to ensure you get the maximum insurance benefits you’re entitled to. We also accept CareCredit, which can be used like a credit card to cover out-of-pocket expenses.
Is dental bonding painful?
Dental bonding is a virtually painless process, and most patients won’t require anesthesia due to the details of the procedure. The area of the tooth dental bonding targets isn’t sensitive, so patients can relax during their appointments and won’t have to wait for any numbness to subside before going about their day as normal.