Dental Bonding in Raleigh
Dental bonding is a common and popular treatment option for patients who have gaps between their teeth, cracked teeth, chips in their teeth, decaying teeth or even patients who have exposed roots caused by other dental conditions. The bonding is made from a composite resin material that is strong and can be molded to look and feel like your real teeth. It is not an appliance like a bridge or dental implant, but it is a substance that can be shaped to restore the look and function of your teeth with ease.
Why Dental Bonding?
There are many benefits to having bonding applied to your teeth. One benefit is that it will instantly improve the look of your teeth and smile. This will come as a great relief to many patients who struggle with cracked or chipped teeth and can't wait to get their teeth fixed. Another benefit is that the bonding can also strengthen the tooth overall; when teeth are cracked, they are more susceptible to bacteria, infection, and further damage.
Restoring the shape of a cracked or chipped tooth means that some of the strength can be restored as well. Another benefit of bonding is that it is instant. Most dental bonding treatments can be completed in one visit with our dentists, meaning you don't need to walk around with chipped or cracked teeth any longer. You can have your dental bonding touched up at future dental visits if you notice the bonding is wearing away, or if it needs to be replaced.
Anna Abernethy, DDS
Dr. Abernethy, originally from Concord, North Carolina, moved to Raleigh for college and graduated from Meredith College in 2001 with a degree in biology and a minor in chemical physics. Her journey towards dentistry began unexpectedly when she experienced a dental emergency during her college years, leading her to explore the field through externship programs. Witnessing a patient's life-changing smile makeover after a car accident inspired her to become a dentist. She pursued her dental education at UNC-Chapel Hill Dental School, actively participating in various community service initiatives and events. After graduation, she gained valuable experience as an associate in a dental practice.
Jill Sonner, DDS
Dr. Sonner, a Raleigh native, completed her undergraduate studies at NCSU in Biological Sciences in 1999. She pursued dental education at UNC Dental School and trained at Fayetteville VA Medical Center, gaining skills in treating medically compromised and geriatric patients, and in advanced surgical techniques, including implant placement. She achieved Fellowship with The International Dental Implant Association, mentored by Dr. Arun Garg. Dr. Sonner, alongside Drs. Abernethy and Wells, took part in a mission to the Dominican Republic, contributing to dental implant surgeries, enhancing chewing function for locals who wouldn't otherwise have the chance. Their efforts significantly improved the quality of life for many recipients.
Anita Wells, DDS
Dr. Anita Wells, developed her passion for dentistry in her hometown of Pinehurst, inspired by her childhood dentist's compassionate and personalized care. From a young age, she was fascinated by his ability to transform lives through beautiful smiles. Observing his artistic skills and the positive impact he made on patients, she decided to pursue dentistry. Dr. Wells graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Bachelor's degree in Biology and Chemistry, and later earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery with the highest honors. After practicing in Chapel Hill, she co-founded Renaissance Dental Center in 2009, aiming to provide personalized dental care based on her dedication to changing people's lives.
Dental Bonding Process
Dental bonding is fast and easy. The tooth that needs to be repaired will be cleaned and dried. Our dentists will apply cleansers and adhesives to prepare the tooth to receive the bonding.
This allows for the bonding to attach to the existing tooth surface. The resin is made up of several components, including a glue-like substance that adheres the resin to the surface of the tooth. It is applied in layers until the desired thickness is achieved.
The compound can be colored to match your surrounding teeth, and then the resin is set using a special light that will harden the compound quickly and easily. Your new tooth will be cleaned and polished, and adjusted to fit your bite and smile. The entire process normally takes 1-2 hours, depending on the number of teeth that need to be bonded and the severity of the damage to the tooth.
Lasting Aesthetics
Dental bonding is not permanent; however, it can last a long time. When it is cared for properly, and when you visit our dentists on a regular basis for exams and touch-ups, dental bonding can last for many years. Proper care is important because dental bonding can start to discolor after some time. People who do not take care of their bonded teeth can see discoloration start to occur. For patients who have severely damaged teeth, dental bonding might need to be replaced with other types of solutions or appliances later.
Bonding Vs. Veneers
Dental bonding is meant for use in simple cosmetic improvements that don't impact the function of a person's teeth or gums in any way. Cracks, chips, and gaps are the most common issues that dental bonding can correct. They are different from veneers in that veneers are made of layered glass ceramics and crafted outside of your dental office in a special lab. The veneer is designed to look and feel like your real teeth, and it adheres to your tooth with a bonded cement.
Consider Bonding
If you are tired of looking at that gap between your teeth, or if you are feeling self-conscious about the crack in your tooth, dental bonding can improve the look of your teeth quickly and easily. The longer you put off having cracks or chips treated, the more risk you pose to your teeth. Cracks can spread, and chips can lead to decay.
When decay or further damage occurs, more invasive procedures might be necessary. It is wise to seek treatment for your cracked or chipped teeth as soon as possible. Dental bonding is suitable for children, teenagers, and adults of all ages.