Bluffton Cosmetic Dentist

bonding

and Contouring

Dental bonding is a tooth restoration procedure performed by applying a small amount of resin to broken or damaged teeth. This resin is shaped to protect the tooth, and restore a natural, beautiful appearance. Dental bonding is typically used for cracked or chipped teeth.

Dr. Darrah also offers dental contouring. In this procedure, a small amount of enamel is removed to reshape a tooth. If you are suffering from minor chipping or damage to your teeth, dental contouring offers a convenient, cost-effective cosmetic solution!

What to Expect

The Dental Bonding Process

To begin your treatment, your mouth will be cleaned and Dr. Darrah will use special dental tools to prepare the surface of your tooth for bonding. Next, a resin material will be applied to your tooth and it will be sculpted into the proper size and shape. Once this step is complete, Dr. Darrah will harden the resin with a UV light. The hardened material will be trimmed and adjusted until it looks and feels just like a natural tooth. This entire process usually only takes 30-60 minutes.

Candidate for Bonding

Is Dental Bonding Right for Me?

If you have minor cosmetic issues with your teeth, such as gaps in your smile or stains that can’t be treated with whitening, dental bonding may be a good option for you. Dental bonding is a great treatment for patients looking to enhance their smiles with non-invasive treatment. Additionally, since bonding only takes two appointments, this is a good option for those who are looking for fast, beautiful results. To find out if you’re a good candidate for bonding and discuss your other options for cosmetic treatment, schedule a consultation at Buckwalter Dental Care in Blufton right away.

Treatment Results

How Long Will Bonding Last?

Dental bonding can last anywhere from 3-10 years, depending on how well you care for your teeth. Brushing and flossing properly and seeing Dr. Darrah for regular six-month dental visits will help prolong the lifespan on your bonded teeth. It’s also important to avoid chewing on non-food objects with bonded teeth. Do not use bonded teeth as tools to open bags other packaging.

Maintenance

Caring For Bonded Teeth

Beyond brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist regularly, there are a few precautions you should take for bonded teeth. It is important to address teeth grinding and clenching, if present, with a mouthguard. In addition, you should avoid biting and chewing hard foods with your bonded teeth. Do not chew non-food objects or use your teeth as tools to open packaging or bags.

Crowns

and Veneers

Dental crowns offer a convenient method of total tooth restoration, usually used when a tooth has been damaged by decay, or to cover up severely discolored or misshapen teeth. A tooth-shaped “cap” is sculpted and applied using advanced bonding agents, which cause it to fuse with the base enamel of the tooth. This restores your teeth to a natural, healthy state, and helps protect them from further damage.

And if you’re looking to achieve the smile of your dreams, you may also be interested in veneers. Veneers are tooth-shaped “shells” usually made of porcelain or resin.

Veneers are applied directly to your teeth with advanced bonding agents, covering your natural teeth and permanently fusing with them to cover up misshapen or crooked teeth, and provide you with a natural, beautiful smile!

Understanding

The Veneers Placement Process

Placing a set of porcelain veneers typically takes 2 appointments over a span of 2-3 weeks. At your first appointment, your mouth will be cleaned and numbed, and Dr. Darrah will remove a thin layer of enamel from the teeth receiving veneers. Enamel is removed to ensure that your veneers fit perfectly and look seamless with the rest of your smile. Then, he will take dental impressions and images of your teeth, which will be sent to a dental lab where your veneers will be created. 
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You’ll be sent home with a set of temporary veneers and come back in 2-3 weeks when your permanent veneers have arrived at Buckwalter Dental Care in Blufton. During this appointment, each veneer will be checked for the proper fit, and bonded into place permanently.

Caring for Veneers

Get the Most Out of Veneers

With proper care, veneers can easily last 10-15+ years, making them one of the best options for long-term cosmetic results. As they wear out, your veneers can be replaced individually, to ensure that your smile stays beautiful. Proper brushing and flossing will prolong the lifespan of your veneers, as well as six-month cleanings and oral exams. 
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Wear a nightguard if you grind your teeth, avoid chewing hard foods (like ice and nuts), and don’t chew non-food objects (such as fingernails or pens). Do not use your teeth as tools, as this can dislodge or destroy your veneers. 

Brighten your smile

Teeth Whitening

With affordable teeth whitening services from Buckwalter Dental Care, it’s never been easier to remove surface stains, whiten your teeth, and restore your smile! In as little as one session, the advanced techniques used by Blufton's Dr. Darrah can dramatically improve the color of your teeth, providing you with a whiter smile and more self-confidence!

what to expect

The Teeth Whitening Process

At Buckwalter Dental Care, we offer at-home whitening that is gradually performed over the course of 2 weeks.
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Take-Home Whitening - The take-home whitening kits are created by taking impressions of your teeth and sending them to a dental lab that creates custom-fabricated whitening trays that fit perfectly over your teeth and don’t expose your gums to the peroxide. 
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You’ll come into the office for impressions and then we’ll call you back when we receive your trays for pick up. You will check the fit of your trays and then begin your treatment at home by following the written and verbal instructions you receive from Dr. Joel Darrah. 
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These trays are to be worn once a day for 2 weeks for the specified amount of time. You will apply the whitening gel to the trays before placing them over your teeth.

what cosmetic treatment

Is Right For Me?

What treatment is best for you depends on what issues you’re experiencing and the condition of your teeth. If you deal solely with discoloration, then teeth whitening is likely the best treatment for you. 
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However, if you have multiple problems such as discolored, misshapen, misaligned, or overall aesthetically displeasing teeth, you may want to opt for something like veneers that are long-lasting and will make a more significant change to the appearance of the teeth while addressing multiple cosmetic issues at once. 
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Teeth that have minor chips, cracks, or damage would benefit from dental bonding and contouring. Patients may also want to opt for veneers instead of teeth whitening if they have extremely sensitive teeth. 
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The best way to determine which cosmetic treatment is right for you is to come in for a consultation. Contact us at Buckwalter Dental Care today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Joel Darrah in Blufton.

can I get

Multiple Cosmetic Treatments at once?

It may be possible to get multiple cosmetic treatments at once but this depends on what treatments are selected, the issues with your teeth, and the amount of time that it will take. For example, you likely do not want to get your teeth whitened and then place veneers over them. However, if you would like to get your teeth whitened and undergo dental bonding for a chipped tooth, the procedures may be able to be combined in a single visit. To see how we can transform your smile, get in touch with us at (843) 815-3232.

Come To Buckwalter Dental Care

For all your Blufton Cosmetic Dentistry needs!

Whether you need a simple teeth whitening, or advanced restorative dentistry, like a new crown, Dr. Darrah and his team would be happy to take care of you! At Buckwalter Dental Care, we focus on making patients feel at ease, giving them comprehensive care, and providing all the information they need to stay informed about their oral health. Contact us at 843.815.3232 today to schedule an appointment!