Significant advancements in cosmetic dentistry make it possible for patients to achieve radiant, natural-looking smiles. Cosmetic dental bonding is a procedure in which a tooth-colored resin is applied to the affected tooth and hardened with a special bonding light that attaches the material to the tooth, greatly improving the quality and appearance of your smile. The dentists at Astoria Dental Group in Manhattan offer cosmetic dental bonding to mask various dental flaws. Dental bonding can be used to:
- Treat tooth discoloration
- Close gaps between the teeth
- Elongate the teeth
- Fill in chips or cracks
- Fills in cavities and areas damaged by tooth decay
Who Is a Good Candidate for Cosmetic Dental Bonding?
Ideal candidates for dental bonding include those with decayed, chipped, or cracked teeth. Cosmetic dental bonding can also close spaces between the teeth, make the teeth look longer, and change the overall shape of teeth. Bonding can also improve the appearance of discolored teeth and may be used in conjunction with professional teeth whitening for an even more spectacular outcome.
Advantages of Cosmetic Dental Bonding
Cosmetic dental bonding is among the easiest, least expensive, and quickest cosmetic dental procedures. It doesn’t require anesthesia in most cases and can usually be accomplished in just one dental office visit. Unlike porcelain veneers and crowns, which are custom made tooth coverings, bonding is typically done right in the dentist office. In many cases, there is no need to remove any tooth enamel, which is required with porcelain veneers and dental crowns. Bonded teeth do not require any special care other than proper dental hygiene. Bonding materials can last up to 10 years before needing to be touched up or replaced.
Disadvantages of Cosmetic Dental Bonding
Over time, the material used in dental bonding can absorb stains just as natural teeth do. Also, the bonding material does not last quite as long and is not quite as durable as some other treatments such as crowns and veneers. For this reason, dentists often recommend bonding for small cosmetic changes or corrections of teeth in low bite pressure areas such as the front teeth.
Procedure
Your dentist will begin your cosmetic dental bonding procedure by conditioning your tooth and in some cases, slightly reshaping it as well. Next, the durable tooth composite known as resin (a modern, high-density plastic) will be applied to your tooth and hardened with a curing light. More layers will then be added, sculpted, and polished for a realistic finish.
Learn More about Dental Bonding
Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. Make your smile one that people will never forget. To learn more about how to obtain your perfect smile with cosmetic dental bonding, please schedule a consultation today with the highly skilled staff at Astoria Dental Group. Dr. Clifford Degel and Dr. Carmen Every-Degel will examine your teeth and gums to determine if dental bonding or another treatment is best suited to your needs. They are waiting to give you the smile you’ve always dreamed about.
