Dental Bonding Hackensack, Bergen County, NJ

Dental bonding can fix small chips or cracks in teeth or other minor imperfections that can affect an otherwise attractive smile. Dental bonding is a fast, affordable, and minimally invasive cosmetic dentistry procedure.

What is Dental Bonding?

This treatment is also called teeth bonding and uses tooth-colored composite resin to mend or hide small faults or damage affecting a tooth’s appearance. The material can also change a tooth’s overall shape, size, and appearance.

When Would I Need Dental Bonding?

Treatment is versatile and used in numerous situations, including the following:

• Mending minor damage to a tooth like a chip or crack.
• Hiding stained and discolored teeth.
• Close or reduce gaps between teeth.
• Lengthen teeth that are worn or too short.
• Change the shape of a tooth.
• Protect tooth roots exposed due to gum recession.

Composite resin is the same material used to fill small to medium-sized cavities in teeth, creating nearly invisible restorations. The material is durable and hard-wearing. It is also biomimetic, so it works harmoniously with your teeth and bonds strongly to natural tooth structure.

We frequently use cosmetic dental bonding at My New Jersey Dentist. Treatment can be completed in a single visit and can subtly enhance the appearance of teeth without making any major changes.

Is Dental Bonding Different from Dental Veneers?

These two procedures are different:

Dental Veneers

• Veneers are made from porcelain and are indirect restorations made outside of the mouth.
• They require at least two visits, and usually, teeth must be prepared beforehand, where the enamel is removed from the tooth surface, and treatment requires local anesthetic.
• Because tooth structure needs to be removed, treatment is irreversible.

Dental Bonding

• Dental bonding is completed chairside as the composite resin is applied directly to the tooth surface.
• Usually, no tooth preparation is necessary and no local anesthetic is needed.
• Because no tooth preparation is needed, treatment is reversible.
• Some dentists use the term composite veneers, meaning the entire front surface of a tooth is covered with composite resin.

What are the Benefits of Dental Bonding?

Dental bonding offers several benefits compared with other cosmetic dental treatments.

1. Treatment is minimally invasive as usually, it is not necessary to alter the shape of a tooth, unlike the process for crowns and veneers.
2. It is one of the most inexpensive cosmetic dental treatments available.
3. Treatment is versatile and can hide or address numerous cosmetic imperfections in teeth.
4. Dental bonding is fast, only needing a single appointment in most cases.

Am I Suitable for Dental Bonding?

Before recommending this treatment, we will assess your oral health and discuss your treatment goals. Dental bonding will not last as long as other treatments like porcelain veneers, and the material can become stained over time, but it is very affordable.

Dental bonding works extremely well when only a few teeth need to be treated. If you wish to make more substantial changes to the appearance of your teeth, you may prefer an alternative treatment such as porcelain veneers.

We must also ensure your teeth and gums are generally healthy, and we might wish to take dental x-rays to assess areas like tooth roots or contact areas between teeth that are hidden from view. Any cavities or gum disease must be treated first. A healthy mouth will help ensure the results last longer.

What is the Process for Dental Bonding?

Treatment takes place in several easy steps outlined below.

1. Our dentist will choose a suitable shade to blend in with your natural teeth. They might combine several shades to get a precise match.
2. We prepare your tooth by painting it with a conditioning liquid that lightly etches the surface, roughening it slightly so the composite resin has a stronger bond with your tooth.
3. The conditioning fluid is rinsed off, and your tooth is dried.
4. The composite resin is gradually applied and hardened or cured regularly with a special light. This ensures it has a tight bond with your tooth.
5. Our dentist will contour the composite resin to look natural before polishing it to create a realistic luster, completing your treatment.

What to Expect After Dental Bonding?

Your teeth should soon feel completely comfortable afterward. Some people find their teeth are slightly more sensitive after treatment. This is a common side effect after dental procedures and should disappear quite quickly. In the meantime, any discomfort is easily controllable with over-the-counter painkillers.

Looking After Your Dental Bonding

Good oral care will ensure your dental bonding stays looking good for longer. Brush at least twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Regular checkups and hygiene appointments allow us to clean your teeth and restorations like dental bonding professionally.

Treat teeth that have been bonded as gently as your natural teeth. Avoid biting your nails, pencils, or other hard objects; otherwise, the composite resin might become chipped and need mending or replacing.

How Long Will Dental Bonding Last?

Dental bonding will last several years, but this material is less durable than porcelain. It is also less stain-resistant, so it can begin discoloring over time but can be easily replaced. You can expect the results to last anywhere between three and ten years before you need to consider replacing them.

Combining Dental Bonding with Odontoplasty

Dental bonding is often combined with Odontoplasty or enamel reshaping. During this procedure, a small amount of tooth enamel is removed, for example, if a tooth is slightly overlapping or cracked. Combining both treatments can help create a more appealing tooth shape without making any major changes.

Modern composite resins can look very natural when skillfully applied by a cosmetic dentist. Treatment is ideal for anyone who does not wish to spend too much money on improving the appearance of their teeth. It is also good for anyone who would prefer or only needs to enhance smile subtly.