Dental Bonding Can Address Several Cosmetic Concerns to Renew Your Smile
Our doctors can conceal minor chips, cracks, and misalignment using dental bonding at our New York office to make your smile shine. This cosmetic procedure uses composite resin—the same material used for tooth-colored fillings —to change the shape of your teeth. It is an excellent alternative to porcelain veneers for patients who either do not qualify for veneers or for those who prefer a more affordable option. We are experts with dental bonding, using it to effectively enhance the appearance of your smile.
What Is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding, so named because the material is bonded to the tooth, uses tooth-colored composite resin to improve the appearance of your teeth. The material can be bonded to individual teeth as needed to achieve your desired appearance. In addition to reshaping the teeth, dental bonding can address:
- Minor damage, such as chips or cracks
- Intrinsic stains that do not respond to teeth whitening
- Slightly gapped or crooked teeth
With dental bonding, our doctors can transform your smile, creating symmetry and uniformity.
Bonded teeth mimic your natural teeth very closely. However, a bonded tooth will not look quite as natural as one with a porcelain veneer or a dental crown. Bonding is also not quite as strong. Though your bond will be durable and long-lasting with good care, you should be prepared to repair a bond or upgrade to a veneer or crown in about three to five years .
What Is the Procedure Like?
Dental bonding is completed in a single appointment and takes 30 minutes to one hour for each tooth. Unlike porcelain veneers, dental bonding does not require the removal of any of your enamel, making the procedure more conservative. Your dentist will choose a composite resin that matches the shade of your other teeth. An acidic solution is applied to the tooth, which lightly etches the surface for a strong bond. Then the composite resin is applied, and your dentist can shape it as desired.
When this is complete, your dentist will use a UV light to harden the material. He or she will carefully check to ensure the bonded teeth are symmetrical and that they do not affect your alignment. The bonded teeth are then polished to create a natural appearance.
Is Dental Bonding Right for Me?
Dental bonding can be an appropriate treatment for patients who are unhappy with certain cosmetic aspects of their smiles, including minor damage such as chips and cracks, as well as minor misalignment. Because dental bonding does not require the removal of any enamel, it is an excellent alternative to porcelain veneers for patients with little enamel. Additionally, dental bonding is more cost effective than porcelain veneers, making it appropriate for patients on a stricter budget. Before any cosmetic procedure, you should be free of periodontal disease or other conditions that require general dentistry treatment. Dental bonding is best for non-smokers, as tobacco can permanently stain composite resin.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding is a relatively quick and simple procedure that is painless and requires no recovery time. With dental bonding, Harlem doctors can transform your smile, creating symmetry and uniformity. Composite resin can strengthen damaged teeth and whiten those that are permanently stained. Thanks to its completely natural look, you can smile with confidence.
Contact Us
Bonding is a conservative procedure that can affordably improve your smile's appearance. If you are dissatisfied with various cosmetic aspects of your smile contact our dental office today to schedule a cosmetic consultation.