Dental Bonding Q & A

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What is dental bonding?

Dental bonding is a restorative procedure that the dental professionals at Coxsackie Dental Arts use to restore teeth that are chipped, cracked, discolored, decayed, or uneven. Dental bonding uses tooth-colored resin, which is bonded to the tooth using ultraviolet light.

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Dental bonding is often an alternative to veneers or crowns, as it is faster and less expensive. Unlike veneers and crowns, bonding can be done in one office visit. This makes dental bonding an excellent option for making small improvements to your teeth.

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Because bonding does not last as long as other major kinds of restoration and is resistant to natural tooth staining, it is not used for major restorations as often as cosmetic touch-ups.

 

How does dental bonding work?

Initially, your dental professional takes time to exactly color match the shade of your teeth. This is so that the color of the resin blends naturally.

 

Then, your dentist first prepares your teeth by lightly etching the surface and applying a liquid conditioner. The resin is then applied directly to the tooth, and sculpted to the shape of your natural tooth. The resin is cured using an ultraviolet light, then trimmed, smoothed, and polished for the most natural feel and appearance possible.

 

The entire process usually takes 30-60 minutes per tooth. The procedure requires very little preparation, and anesthesia is often not necessary. Dental bonding is considered an easy way to improve the overall appearance of your teeth.

 

Is dental bonding right for me?

Based on your dental history, needs, and goals, your dental team assesses how dental bonding might help improve the appearance of your teeth. The dentists at Coxsackie Dental Arts often recommend dental bonding for small cosmetic changes, temporary corrections, or restoration in areas with very low bite pressure, like your front teeth.

 

Dental bonding is often preferred to veneers and crowns, but because the plastic resin used is not as strong as your natural tooth enamel, it is more likely to stain, chip or break than natural teeth. Bonding typically lasts three to five years, so is not always be the best choice for your dental needs.

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If you’re considering dental bonding, check with the experts at Coxsackie Dental Arts to see if you’re a good candidate for the procedure.

12077 State Rt. 9W

West Coxsackie, NY 12192

Phone: 518-254-6807