Dental bonding uses tooth-tinted resins to restore cosmetic imperfections or to treat some types of cavities. The resin material flows onto the tooth surface and can be tinted and shaped to blend with the surrounding tooth material to repair defects like chips and worn tooth surfaces so you can enjoy a great-looking smile. As a leading cosmetic dentist in Westport, Connecticut, and the Tribeca and Chinatown neighborhoods of New York City, Dr. Wynatte Chu uses dental bonding techniques to help her patients feel more confident about their smiles with beautiful, natural-looking results.
Dental bonding is a special resin material that’s applied to the surfaces of teeth and used to correct an array of cosmetic issues like:
Bonding can be applied to protect teeth exposed due to gum disease and excessive gum recession, and bonding can also be used to seal and cover cavities. When cosmetic bonding is used to correct cosmetic issues, it can be applied to the tooth surface without anesthesia. When used to treat a decayed area, local anesthetic can be used to prevent discomfort.
Dr. Chu begins by evaluating the tooth, then carefully cleaning the tooth surface and “roughening” it to enable the resin to bond better.
Next, she selects the ideal tint for the resin bonding material, carefully mixing it to achieve just the right shade so it blends in with the surrounding teeth.
Dr. Chu will apply a special conditioning liquid to the tooth to increase adhesion. Then she’ll apply the resin layer by layer, shaping it to match the natural contours while achieving a completely-natural-looking restoration.
Once the resin has been applied and shaped, Dr. Chu will use a curing light to harden the resin. Then she’ll gently buff the restored area so it fits perfectly.
No. Like other restorations, bonding material is not designed to be treated with teeth whitening solutions. If a bonded area becomes stained or discolored, it will need to be replaced. Many patients have their teeth professionally whitened before the bonding material is applied to ensure the bonding tint matches their teeth when they look their best.
While both veneers and bonding can be used for many of the same applications, including correcting the appearance of uneven tooth surfaces, chipped teeth, or deep stains, bonding material does not last as long as a veneer, and it can be stained more easily.
Bonding is less costly than a veneer and it can be completed in one visit without removing any of the tooth material, making it a popular option for many patients.
