Ask a Cosmetic Dentist: What Is Dental Bonding

One of the treatment options a cosmetic dentist may employ to improve the appearance of a person's smile is dental bonding. Also known as tooth bonding, dental bonding is a procedure that involves applying a tooth-colored resin to the teeth to achieve the desired result.

What patients should know about dental bonding

When a cosmetic dentist performs dental bonding, the dentist applies a tooth-colored resin to the teeth and then hardens the material by using a light made for this purpose. As the material hardens, it becomes bonded to the tooth, which keeps the material in place.

Uses for dental bonding

Dental bonding can be used to correct issues with the teeth or to change the appearance of the teeth to meet the patient's aesthetic goals. Dentists perform tooth bonding procedures for multiple reasons:

  • Repair chipped, cracked, or decayed teeth
  • Cover stained teeth
  • Give teeth a longer appearance
  • Cover gaps between teeth
  • Alternative to amalgam fillings
  • Cover a tooth root exposed by receding gums

How dental bonding is performed

If bonding is being done to fill a cavity or change the shape of a tooth, the tooth may need to be drilled before the bonding procedure. Otherwise, the cosmetic dentist begins the process by selecting a resin color that matches the shade of the natural teeth. The dentist then roughens the tooth surface and applies a conditioning liquid to make it easier for the resin to adhere to the tooth. Next, the dentist applies, molds, and smooths the resin into the chosen shape. A bright light or laser is then used to harden the resin. Finally, the dentist shapes and trims the hardened material to achieve the desired result and match the appearance of the natural teeth. The entire process usually takes between 30-60 minutes but may require more than one visit if multiple teeth are being bonded.

Advantages of dental bonding

Dental bonding is often less expensive than veneers or crowns because the material can be molded and shaped in the office by the dentist, rather than manufactured in a lab. The procedure also requires less removal of tooth enamel. However, dental bonding is not as durable or stain-resistant as veneers, crowns, and fillings. Bonding material typically needs to be replaced or touched up in 3-10 years.

Caring for bonded teeth

The bonding material is not as strong as natural teeth, so patients are advised to avoid activities, such as nail-biting and ice chewing, that could chip the resin. It is also a good idea to limit the consumption of coffee, tea, and wine and avoid smoking because these substances can stain the resin.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp:
Cosmetic Dentist Dental Bonding in Jackson Heights, NY

Conclusion

The dental bonding procedure involves attaching a tooth-colored resin to the tooth to correct discolored teeth, chips, cracks, or gaps. While the material is not as resilient as some other alternative treatments, the procedure is quick, usually less expensive, and with proper aftercare, can last up to 10 years.

Request an appointment or call 82nd St. Dental at 718-709-3883 for an appointment in our Jackson Heights office.

Recent Posts

How A Cosmetic Dentist Can Enhance Your Smile

A cosmetic dentist can bring back your radiant smile even after years of damage or decay. Different procedures can make this possible. Understanding which one will fit your dental needs can help you make informed decisions. Here are the different ways your cosmetic dentist can improve your smile.A person’s daily diet and lifestyle choices can…

5 Ways A Cosmetic Dentist Can Improve Your Smile

Wondering what a cosmetic dentist can do for your smile? Read on to learn more. A great smile can be a big self-esteem booster and a way to leave good first impressions. However, not all people have an aesthetically pleasing smile. Fortunately, a cosmetic dentist can help you improve the appearance of your teeth, gums,…

3 Common Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments

If you are looking to improve your smile, you may be thinking of trying cosmetic dentistry. This type of dental work focuses on covering or treating certain issues to change the appearance of one's teeth, gums, or both. Most people have at least one complaint about their smile, ranging from missing, misshapen, and misaligned teeth…

82nd St. Dental

Share
Published by
82nd St. Dental

Recent Posts

How Easy Can it Be to Get a Partial Denture for One Missing Tooth?

When many people lose a single tooth, they may be inclined to ignore it and…

3 days ago

Safety of Teeth Whitening

Many people undergo teeth whitening procedures to make their smile look healthier and to increase…

2 weeks ago

How a Partial Denture for One Missing Tooth Can Improve Your Smile

If you are like many people, your smile is one of your most treasured assets.…

2 weeks ago

Partial Denture for One Missing Tooth: Recommended Daily Oral Regiment

According to the American Dental Association, over 120 million people in the U.S. are missing…

3 weeks ago

Tooth Replacement With Partial Dentures

A tooth replacement procedure is vital if you are missing teeth. You will be happy…

4 weeks ago

Partial Denture for One Missing Tooth: How to Extend the Life of Your Partial Denture

For patients who want to replace a damaged or lost tooth without undergoing invasive dental…

4 weeks ago