There have been so many advances in cosmetic dentistry over the years, and some of the most exciting are those made in dental bonding. Because the look and feel of our teeth are not only critical to our self-esteem, they’re often necessary for our ease of use and oral health.
Downtown Dental Studios offers in-office dental bonding as a practical solution to many aesthetic dental issues. Fadi Beydoun, DMD, MS, Alexander Kimon, DMD, and Karina Zaygermakher, DMD, are our practitioners, and they want to ensure you’re getting the best treatment for your specific needs.
Right off the bat, you might be wondering what bonding is. The treatment itself is often considered a less invasive, milder option for those hoping to fix imperfections or problems in their smile. Bonding involves applying a liquid to the slightly roughened tooth surface, allowing the bonding agent to adhere to it. Then a tooth-colored resin is added on top, which then hardens.
The resin is chosen to specifically match the shade of your existing teeth, making for a seamless transition and a pleasing aesthetic. The resin itself can last anywhere from three to 10 years, depending on the care taken to maintain it. Eventually, you will need to have the bonding restored or replaced to experience continued benefits.
But how can you be sure bonding is the best solution for your damaged teeth, rather than veneers, crowns, inlays, or another option? Just consider the factors below to find out.
Bonding is an excellent solution for those who have milder issues with their teeth. Chipped or cracked teeth, as well as discolored ones, can be a great candidate for bonding. Those who have one tooth that is smaller than the others can also find a solution with bonding. If you have large spaces between your teeth and want to fill them, bonding can also help.
Whether they are cost-prohibitive or simply unnecessary, many people who don’t want or need veneers, crowns, or other treatments may gravitate toward bonding instead. Bonding takes less time and is less expensive in most cases than these other procedures. Also, bonding is a fantastic solution if you only have one tooth or a small issue with several teeth.
Bonding resin isn’t as stain-resistant or as strong as some of the other options available, which means it could potentially chip or stain more readily. However, if you’re the type of person who works hard to maintain oral hygiene, is focused on following the rules after a dental procedure, and refrains from chewing ice, smoking, drinking or eating foods that stain teeth easily, or chewing your nails, bonding will likely work for you.
Unless you require a filling as well, bonding usually doesn’t include the use of anesthesia. This is a benefit to some individuals who would prefer to avoid this part of dental work when they can help it. The entire procedure usually takes about 30 to 90 minutes, and you will be able to walk away with teeth that look and feel exactly the way you want.
All procedures come with some risk attached, but bonding is not associated with any serious health risks. If you experience problems with discoloration or chipping, these issues can be fixed when you decide to have your bonding touched up.
Bonding is often the answer if you take good care of your teeth and want to fix some specific or tiny imperfection in your smile. If you’re interested in learning more, make an appointment online, or call 212-964-3337 to visit our New York, NY dental office.
