Dental Bonding Emerald Isle, NC

We know that keeping your smile looking great is important to you. When discoloration, minor chips, or spacing occurs, you should not have to deal with a difficult and expensive dental procedure. Here at Emerald Isle Smiles, we provide cosmetic bonding to help solve these minor issues that will crop up from time to time without the cost of major procedures.

Dental Bonding in Emerald Isle, NC

How Does Dental Bonding Work?

Dental bonding is a rather simple procedure. First, Dr. Myers will clean the area where she will apply the bonding resin. Then, she will choose a resin that matches your tooth color. Afterwards she will attach and mold the resin to the shape of the tooth. The resin is applied layer by layer until the area has the desired look. Dr. Myers will then harden the resin using ultraviolet light. Once the resin has hardened, the dentist will make sure that the tooth looks correct. The final step is to polish the tooth.

Resin can stain and is most vulnerable within the first few hours after treatment. This is why it’s important that you avoid drinking liquids like coffee, tea, or red wine on the day of your bonding treatment. You should also not smoke during this time.

Dental Fillings vs Tooth Bonding

Dental bonding is similar in some ways to a dental filling. In both cases, a color-matched composite resin is used to repair damage or in the case of a filling, decay in a tooth. Dr. Myers recommends placing composite or white fillings for better long-term results and a more natural-looking smile. 

The Advantages Of Tooth-Colored Fillings

Resin onlays are bonded to the tooth, creating an extremely tight fit superior to that of silver fillings. We always want to save as much of the tooth as possible. Restorations using resin can be used in situations when most of the original tooth has been lost. This allows the tooth to stay intact. The resin wears like a natural tooth and does not require placement at the gum line. This results in a wonderfully natural-looking smile.

Fillings are a way to restore a tooth that has been damaged by decay and bring it back to its normal shape and function. When Dr. Myers gives you a filling, she will first remove all of the decay on the tooth, clean the area, and then fill the cleaned-out cavity with a filling material. Once Dr. Myers has closed up the area, bacteria will not be able to enter, protecting the tooth from further decay. This doesn’t mean that you can stop brushing and flossing. Without proper hygiene habits, decay can come back.

The Disadvantages Of Silver Fillings

Mercury fillings were used for many years in dentistry. You’ve likely had one in your lifetime. In recent years, there has been a shift away from mercury for several reasons. Dr. Myers recommends replacing mercury fillings with porcelain tooth-colored fillings because the result is a stronger tooth and higher aesthetic value.

The edges of silver fillings tend to wear down over time. Eventually, they become weak and break, which leaves the tooth more vulnerable to developing cavities. Also, silver fillings tend to expand and contract, which can cause the tooth to split. Again, this results in bacteria and possibly cavities. Silver fillings also contain approximately 50 percent mercury. Mercury can corrode, leak, and potentially cause stains on your teeth and gums.