Tooth bonding is a quick, simple, and economical solution for a range of concerns, both cosmetic and dental health-related. Today’s high-quality composite resin materials offer improved durability, stain resistance, and color matching for restoring or enhancing your smile with beautiful results. An experienced cosmetic and restorative dentist, Dr. Sousa can implement tooth bonding in Roslyn Heights, NY for a range of dental problems.
Dental bonding is often highly suitable for minor concerns, younger patients, or anyone not ready for veneers. Dr. Sousa can complete tooth bonding during a single visit to our office and is practically pain-free.
What is Tooth Bonding?
Tooth bonding is a dental treatment where a dentist will place special material on a tooth to fix chips, gaps, or stains. This cosmetic treatment can also help make teeth look straighter and more even. Dr. Sousa often suggest this cosmetic dentistry procedure to patients at his Roslyn Heights, NY dental office.
Dr. Sousa will apply a tooth-colored resin to repair or improve the appearance of your teeth. The process is fast and affordable. This cosmetic dentistry procedure is perfect for people who have small issues with their teeth and do not want to get dental veneers. Dr. Sousa will often suggest dental bonding for people with:
- Chipped teeth
- Cracked tooth
- Gaps between teeth
- Discolored tooth
- Misshapen tooth
The Tooth Bonding Procedure
The tooth bonding procedure is fast, and Dr. Sousa will often complete it in a single appointment. This simple yet effective treatment involves several steps.
- Consultation
Your journey to tooth bonding begins with a consultation with Dr. Sousa. He will assess your teeth and discuss your goals during this appointment. Dr. Sousa will then determine if tooth bonding is the right solution for you. If you both decide to move forward, we will schedule you for the procedure. - Preparation
On the day of the procedure, we will first prepare your tooth. Dr. Sousa will choose the color of the resin that best suits the rest of your natural teeth. We will clean the tooth to ensure that it will have a strong bond. If necessary, we will administer a local anesthetic. In most cases, though, this is not required. Etching
Next, Dr. Sousa will roughen the tooth surface using a mild acid solution. This etching process helps the resin adhere better to the tooth. This step is quick and painless! - Application
The next step is to apply the resin in the custom shade. Dr. Sousa will mold and shape the putty-like resin onto your tooth. He will carefully sculpt it to create the appearance of a natural tooth. This step requires precision and artistry to ensure a natural look. - Curing
Once you and Dr. Sousa are satisfied with the shape, they use a special light to harden the resin. This curing process only takes a few minutes. The light activates the resin, making it strong and durable. - Finishing Touches
After curing, Dr. Sousa will polish the bonded tooth. Polishing smooths out any rough edges and gives the tooth a natural shine. Your bonded tooth should blend seamlessly with the rest of your smile. He will also make sure your bite is comfortable.
Aftercare Tips
To keep your bonded tooth looking great, follow these aftercare tips:
- Avoid biting into hard foods, like ice or candy.
- Brush and floss regularly to maintain oral hygiene.
- Visit your dentist for regular check-ups.
Alternatives to Dental Bonding
- Porcelain veneers: Thin shells of porcelain that are custom-made to fit over the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance.
- Dental crowns: Dr. Sousa can place a dental cap over damaged or misshapen teeth to restore their appearance and function.
- Teeth whitening: Professional teeth whitening uses bleaching agents to lighten and brighten the color of teeth and improve their overall appearance.
- Tooth-colored fillings: Dr. Sousa may use composite resin fillings to repair cavities and restore the natural appearance of teeth.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tooth Bonding
How long does the dental bonding procedure last?
Having a tooth bonded is a fairly quick treatment that involves very little tooth preparation. In most cases, it can be completed in a single office visit. Your treatment should last no longer than thirty to forty minutes and you can return to your normal daily routines after you leave.
Will dental insurance cover this dental bonding?
Dental bonding is considered a cosmetic procedure and most dental insurances will not cover it. However, if Dr. Sousa deems bonding medically necessary after an injury, you get it covered by your provider. When we file your claim, we will submit it as such to help maximize your benefits.
How long does tooth bonding last?
Dental bonding is not as durable as other treatments such as crowns or veneers. It will require touching up a few times before eventually needing to be replaced. Bonding can last up to 10 years if you take good care of your teeth and oral health.
Can my dentist remove tooth bonding?
Yes, your dentist can remove tooth bonding. The process normally involves using a dental drill to remove the bonding material from the tooth’s surface. Depending on the amount of bonding material your dentist needs to remove, they may need to apply local anesthesia to numb the area.
Does tooth bonding prevent cavities?
Dental bonding does not prevent cavities. In fact, bonding material can even increase the risk of cavities if you do not maintain proper oral hygiene. The material can trap bacteria and food particles. Dentists can use tooth bonding to fill small cavities or to cover and protect vulnerable areas of the teeth from decay.
Do bonded teeth look natural?
Yes, the results of tooth bonding can look and feel very natural. Your dentist will shape and polish the resin to match the natural appearance of the surrounding teeth. The results can last up to ten years if the patients possess good oral care habits.