Cosmetic Bonding

Do you have an important upcoming job interview? Or maybe you’re just tired of any smile imperfections like a discolored tooth or perhaps a gap between your teeth; cosmetic bonding is the best, cost-effective way to get the smile you want quickly. If you are looking for cosmetic bonding in NYC, Dental Partners of Fifth Avenue have got you covered.

About Cosmetic Bonding in NYC

If you have chipped or stained teeth, you may be considering cosmetic bonding. This procedure offers a fast, inexpensive way to lengthen teeth, mask discolorations and close unsightly gaps. During this procedure, a putty-like bonding material is applied in layers with different color combinations. These layers are then hardened with light and shaped using polishing discs. The process is called bonding because the material is bonded to the tooth.

Dental bonding is perfect for a small cosmetic dental procedure. Unlike veneers, which are manufactured in a lab and require a custom scan or impression, little preparation is needed for bonding. The entire procedure can be done in a single office visit, taking about 30 to 60 minutes per tooth. Anesthesia is usually not necessary unless the bonding is being used to fill a decayed tooth or a surface close to the root surface.

The Procedure

First, one of our skilled dentists will use a shade guide to choose the composite resin color that matches the color of your tooth as closely as possible. Once the color, is chosen, they will slightly abrade your tooth to roughen the surface. Your tooth will then be coated lightly with a conditioning liquid to help the bonding material adhere.

When the tooth is prepared, your dentist will apply the color-matched, putty-like resin. The resin is then molded and smoothed down until the proper shape is achieved. Next, the material is hardened with ultraviolet light.

After the cosmetic bonding material hardens, your dentist will go in again to further shape and trim the tooth. Finally, they will polish the material until it matches the sheen of the rest of the tooth surface.

After the Procedure

Tea, coffee, cigarette smoke, and other substances can stain the resin. To prevent or minimize stains, it is strongly advised to avoid eating or drinking foods that can stain for the first 48 hours after the procedure. Additionally, be sure to brush your teeth often and have them cleaned regularly by a dental hygienist to maintain the color.

Because the composite resin used in bonding is not as strong as a natural tooth, it is important to take care when chewing. Biting your fingernails, chewing on ice, and biting pens all can chip the material. How long cosmetic bonding lasts really depends on the amount of bonding and your personal oral habits.

Cost and Longevity

Cosmetic bonding is a great option for people with limited budgets, or who want only minimal changes to a few teeth. While dental bonding is much less expensive than veneers, he lower costt does offer very different results. Cosmetic bonding materials are not able to offer the strength, translucency, or longevity that porcelain veneers provide. Be sure to discuss the differences with Dr. Gross and Dr. Kaplan to discover which is the best option for you and the smile you’ve been wanting!