If you have flaws or inconsistencies in the appearance of your teeth, dental bonding in Atlanta and Sandy Springs, GA, can help correct them and improve the look of your smile. At Cosmetic & General Dentistry, Dr. Maria Benefield and her team work hard to improve your dental experience.
Bonding is part of our cosmetic dentistry treatments. With minimally invasive tooth bonding, we can change the color, shape, and size of single teeth. To schedule an appointment, contact our Atlanta dentist today at 404-252-1216. We also proudly serve patients coming from College Park, Decatur, and Sandy Springs.
Meet Dr. Maria Benefield – Your Trusted Atlanta Dentist
Dr. Maria Benefield, DMD, is a trusted and compassionate dentist in Atlanta. Originally from Bogotá, Colombia, Dr. Benefield moved to Florida as a child and later earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Georgia State University. She discovered her passion for dentistry while working as an orthodontic assistant and went on to earn her Doctorate of Dental Medicine from the Medical College of Georgia in 2003. Recognized for her excellence in prosthodontics and oral medicine, she opened her own dental practice in Sandy Springs in 2010, later relocating it to Dunwoody in 2024. Her practice, Cosmetic & General Dentistry, is known for personalized, gentle care and a strong emphasis on patient comfort.
Dr. Benefield is committed to staying at the forefront of dental advancements through continued education and affiliations with organizations such as the American Dental Association, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and the Pankey Institute. Outside the office, she enjoys spending time with her husband and daughters, staying active with weight training, and traveling. Dr. Benefield’s combination of skill, compassion, and dedication makes her a standout dental professional in the Metro Atlanta area.
What Can Dental Bonding Fix? Our Dentist Near College Park Explains
Our office can use dental bonding to do the following:
- Close gaps and spaces between teeth
- Improve misshapen teeth
- Lighten stained or discolored teeth
- Restore chipped or cracked teeth
- Cover black triangles
We will use a shade of composite resin that matches the original color of your teeth for a natural-looking effect. If you would prefer, we can use a slightly lighter shade to whiten the color of your teeth. Dental bonding offers a fast and painless way to change the look of your teeth.
Is Dental Bonding For Me?
Tooth bonding might be a good option for you if you have small cosmetic issues with your teeth. It’s a great solution if discolored teeth don’t respond to whitening treatments. You can also fix slightly crooked teeth with bonding instead of using braces. The bonding material is tooth-colored, so it blends in with your natural teeth, making your smile look more even and polished. Our Atlanta dental team is happy to answer any of your questions about the results.
Dental bonding is a quick and painless procedure. We can complete treatment in one visit. Bonding is also less expensive than other cosmetic treatments like veneers or crowns. It’s a good option if you want a cost-effective way to improve your smile. Bonding is completely removable compared to other options like veneers. We do not need to alter your teeth to prepare for treatment permanently.
However, if you have larger dental problems or want a long-lasting solution, other treatments might be better for you. Bonding works best for small fixes, and while it can last several years with proper care, it may need touch-ups over time.
The Dental Bonding Process in Atlanta, GA
Dental bonding is a simple, conservative way to improve the appearance of your smile. Our skilled dentist near you places a composite resin material directly onto the tooth structure during the bonding process. Since the resin is malleable and putty-like when first applied, we can shape and sculpt it to fit your tooth and correct flaws in its appearance.
The composite resin is then hardened, trimmed, and polished to provide a lasting, aesthetic restoration for your smile. Dental bonding typically requires just one visit to our welcoming dental office. Because this treatment needs little to no tooth preparation, you can rest assured that your visit will be quick and comfortable.
How to Care for Dental Bonding Results
Dental bonding typically lasts 4 to 8 years. However, it can vary based on several factors, such as oral hygiene practices, eating habits, and the location of the bonding in your mouth. With proper care and maintenance, you can extend the lifespan of your dental bonding and keep your smile looking its best.
After dental bonding treatment in our dental office near Sandy Springs, GA, you should:
Continue to Brush and Floss
To take care of your dental bonding, it’s really important to practice good oral hygiene. This means you should brush your teeth at least twice a day. Using fluoride toothpaste is essential because it helps strengthen your teeth and protect them from cavities. When you brush, make sure to cover all the surfaces of your teeth, including the areas where the bonding is located.
In addition to brushing, you should also floss every day. Flossing helps get rid of plaque and food particles that can get stuck between your teeth, especially around the gum line. If plaque and food are left there, they can lead to tooth decay and discoloration, which can affect how your bonding looks and how long it lasts.
Stop Bad Habits
You should avoid certain habits that could damage your dental bonding. One important thing to remember is not to bite down on hard objects. This includes things like ice, pens, or even your own fingernails. These items may seem harmless, but they can actually cause the bonding material to chip or break.
Biting on ice is a common habit, especially if you enjoy chewing it, but it can be tough on your teeth and gums. Similarly, chewing on pens or pencils might feel satisfying, but it can lead to cracks or damage in your teeth. Even biting your fingernails is not a good idea because it can put unnecessary stress on the bonding.
Avoid Staining Foods and Drinks
Bonding material can stain over time, especially in the first 48 hours after the procedure. To prevent stains, try to limit foods and drinks like coffee, tea, red wine, berries, and tomato sauce. If you do consume these, rinse your mouth with water afterward or brush your teeth.
Don’t Bite Hard Objects
Dental bonding is a great way to improve your smile, but it’s important to remember that it’s not as strong as your natural teeth. While the bonding material is durable, it can still chip or break if you’re not careful. To keep your bonding in good shape, avoid biting into hard objects like ice, pens, or even your fingernails. These habits put unnecessary pressure on the bonding and can cause it to crack or break.
You should also be cautious with tough or crunchy foods. For example, biting down on hard candy, nuts, or other similar foods can damage the bonding. If you enjoy these foods, try to chew them with your back teeth instead of the ones with bonding to prevent any damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does dental bonding last?
Dental bonding typically lasts between 4 to 8 years, but its longevity depends on your oral hygiene, eating habits, and the bonded tooth’s location. With proper care, including regular brushing, flossing, and avoiding hard or staining foods, bonding can last even longer.
Is dental bonding painful?
No, dental bonding is a painless procedure. In most cases, anesthesia isn’t needed unless bonding is used to fill a decayed tooth. Since it requires little to no enamel removal, it’s one of the least invasive cosmetic treatments available.
Can bonded teeth be whitened?
Bonding material doesn’t respond to whitening treatments the same way natural teeth do. If you’re interested in whitening, it’s best to do so before getting bonding, so your dentist can match the resin to your new tooth shade.
What’s the difference between dental bonding and veneers?
While both improve the appearance of teeth, bonding is a quicker, more affordable option ideal for minor flaws. Veneers are thin porcelain shells that are more durable and stain-resistant, often used for more extensive cosmetic transformations. Your dentist can help you decide which is best based on your goals and budget.
Treat Cosmetic Imperfections With Our Atlanta Dentist Today
Do you want to treat a chipped or stained tooth? Get dental bonding in our Atlanta dental office today. Call Cosmetic & General Dentistry at 404-252-1216. You can also schedule an appointment with Dr. Benefield online.
If you have questions about treatment, please let us know. We’ll be happy to help. We also proudly serve patients coming from Sandy Springs, Decatur, and Sandy Springs.