When your teeth have imperfections in them that affect the way your smile looks, dentists can provide you with several treatments to restore your beautiful smile. One lower-priced method you may want to consider is called dental bonding.
About the Material
The material used to make the bond is a composite resin. It is a plastic-based material that will bond to your teeth. Dentists are able to apply it and then form it to the shape desired. When hardened, it looks just like your natural teeth.
What It Can Be Used for
The bonding material can be used to correct nearly any flaw in your teeth. The problems it can be used to fix include:
- A filling that is tooth colored
- Change the shape of your teeth
- Cover the tooth’s root to prevent cavities
- Lengthen your teeth
- Close gaps between teeth
- Cover discolored teeth
- Hide cracks in your teeth
Color Matching
Before the dentist applies the composite material, the color will be carefully matched. This ensures that it will not be noticed once it hardens.
The Process
Preparing the teeth for the composite resin, the dentist will first shape the tooth – if necessary. In most cases, no anesthesia will be needed. The tooth’s surface will then be roughened so that the resin will stick to the tooth better. After it is applied and shaped, the dentist will apply a blue light to the compound, which will harden it quickly. After this, the dentist will continue to shape the material to perfection, and then polish it. The process can be expected to take about a half an hour to an hour per tooth.
Advantages
Applying bonding material to your teeth is a much faster process than most others in cosmetic dentistry. Instead of having to make two or three visits per procedure, it can usually be completed in just one visit – depending on how many teeth need treatment.
The Durability
The compound used in this process, although strong, is not as strong as other material used in cosmetic dentistry. This is certainly the least expensive and it can produce similar results as the high-priced procedures – but it will not last as long.
You can eat normally without any special concerns, except that you want to avoid foods that are very hard and ones that may discolor your teeth – including smoking. The material can be expected to last between three to ten years, depending on how well you care for them. After that, it may need repair.
Dental Care
Once your teeth have been treated, you do not need any special care after the first 48 hours. Brushing twice a day and flossing, along with a good antibacterial mouthwash once a day will be sufficient.
We offer complete dental services for the entire family, including cosmetic dentistry. Just call (914) 732-3377 today for more information or to set up an appointment.