Direct Bonding – Milwaukee, WI
Quick and Easy Fix for Small Stain and Gaps
Cosmetic changes can be big or small. A little too much space between the teeth or a minor crack can draw the eye and leave you feeling self-conscious about your smile. In these cases, Dr. Franzen can use direct bonding to restore and repair your tooth in a quick, noninvasive procedure. The end result will be a brighter, natural-looking grin that you can be proud to show off. If you’re interested in such improvements, contact Milwaukee Dental Implants today to schedule an appointment!
What is Direct Bonding?
Direct bonding in Milwaukee – sometimes called dental bonding or cosmetic bonding – is when a composite resin is applied to the tooth to fix or cover up a cosmetic problem. The name comes from the fact that the material becomes bonded to the tooth’s surface. Compared to other treatments, the process is short, less costly, and easy to do within a single appointment. It can last for three to 10 years before needing to be touched up or reapplied.
What is Direct Bonding Used For?
One big advantage of direct bonding is its versatility. It can improve your smile’s appearance in a variety of ways, such as:
- Tooth Repair: The enamel can be chipped and cracked, but if the damage isn’t too bad, it can often be fixed with bonding.
- Cover a Stain: Bonding can be an alternative to teeth whitening for certain kinds of discoloration.
- Fill Gaps: If your teeth are just a little too far apart, the empty space can be filled with resin.
- Misshapen Teeth: Sometimes a tooth is irregularly shape or looks too short in relation to the gums; this can be corrected by adding bonding material.
- Fill Cavities: Of course, composite resin also has restorative uses and can help reverse the damage caused by tooth decay.
Direct Bonding Procedure
Usually no special preparation is needed. Anesthesia might be used in cases where there’s a cavity to fill or a chip near the nerve, but otherwise it’s usually not required. Before the resin is applied, Dr. Franzen will use a shade guide to pick the right color for the material.
At the start of the procedure, the tooth’s surface is roughened and conditioned with a special liquid to help with bonding. The resin is then placed directly on the enamel to be molded and smoothed to the desired shape before being hardened by a special light. Within the hour, your new and improved smile will be complete!
Taking Care of the Bonded Tooth
The bonding material can last for years, but only if you take good care of it. That said, you don’t need to do anything special; what’s good for your natural teeth is also good for the composite resin! Here are some tips for getting the most out of the procedure:
- Brush at least twice a day and floss at least once. Do not use a hard-bristled brush or a whitening toothpaste with abrasive ingredients.
- Rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash to lower the chances of gum disease and tooth decay.
- Refrain from chewing on pen tips, fingernails, ice, and hard foods such as peppermints. Also, don’t open packages and other containers with your teeth.
- Visit Dr. Franzen at least twice a year for a regular checkup and cleaning.