Forest Hills Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a tooth-colored restoration that’s essentially made of the same material as white composite fillings. It’s a common procedure we recommend for people with minor cosmetic tooth concerns.
Bonding comes in a variety of different shades, so that our Forest Hills cosmetic dentist Dr. Gregory Mark can select the best color for your smile’s needs.
When we shape bonding over your tooth enamel, the ultimate goal is to recreate the surface of your tooth in a way that makes your bite look anatomically complete and pleasing
Why Consider Bonding?
Cosmetic bonding can be used for either aesthetic or restorative needs, depending on the issue at hand. Some of the more common issues we address with bonding include problems like:
• Chipped teeth
• Gaps in your smile
• Visible or sensitive root surfaces
• Pitted or misshaped enamel
• Smooth-surface cavities
What to Expect During Bonding Treatment
Having a tooth bonded is usually a short and extremely comfortable procedure. In most cases, it’s not even necessary for Dr. Mark to numb the tooth receiving the bonding.
Usually all that’s needed is preparation of bonding a tooth surface is to gently roughen the outer layer of enamel, so that the composite will bond tightly with the tooth.
From there, Dr. Mark uses a shade guide to specify the exact color and hue of composite to use for your smile. Next, it’s shaped over your tooth with a small handheld instrument to recreate the shape and contour desired. Finally, Dr. Mark will use a special light to cure the composite so that it hardens in place.
Cosmetic Bonding for Gapped Teeth
If you have a small gap between your two front teeth, it’s usually easier and more cost effective to cover it with bonding (as opposed to dental veneers or crowns.)
As long as the gap isn’t too large, the bonding can be added to the side of each respective tooth, slightly widening the tooth’s overall appearance and thus filling in the space between them.
Dental Bonding for Chipped Tooth
An uneven or chipped tooth can pose a significant aesthetic challenge, detracting from the overall appearance of your entire smile.
With bonding, we can quickly erase the appearance of a chipped tooth without the need for a full coverage crown or veneer.
Since bonding is so simple and cost effective, it’s often the preferred cosmetic treatment for addressing minor tooth irregularities, including chipped teeth.
Treatment for Exposed Root Surfaces
Gum recession is a common symptom of gum disease, bruxism (grinding,) and overzealous tooth brushing. Abrasion often accompanies the receding gums, leaving a notch that’s worn out in the exposed root surface.
Since tooth roots are more sensitive and susceptible to decay, it’s important to take steps to cover them. When gingival grafting isn’t an option, another alternative to consider is bonding over the root itself. The bonding is usually matched to the whiter crown (since roots are more yellow in color) for optimal cosmetic results.
Covering Irregular Enamel Surfaces
Pitted or misshaped tooth enamel can be a result of congenital deformities, environmental factors, or other physical trauma.
Even though atypical enamel may not be extensive, it can pose a significant issue when it comes to how the overall smile of a person looks.
Fortunately, bonding over such areas are simple and straightforward ways to correct any cosmetic concerns.
How Much Does Bonding Cost?
Although composite bonding is regarded as a cosmetic procedure, it’s a relatively inexpensive and efficient one. In most cases, it costs about the same as a small filling; because essentially, that’s exactly what it is.
Bonding for strictly aesthetic purposes may not be covered by your dental insurance. However, if it’s used for functional purposes or to treat tooth damage, it can likely meet the requirements of a restorative filling. That means it may qualify for coverage under your benefits.
Combining Bonding with Other Cosmetic Treatments
Each of our smile makeovers are designed to address specific issues on a tooth-by-tooth basis. Bonding can easily be combined with other cosmetic treatments like veneers, crowns, or whitening. Dr. Mark might suggest whitening and bonding before any other type of aesthetic procedure, to determine if this minimally invasive option can give you the results you’re looking for.
If you’re considering any other types of cosmetic dentistry, it’s best to go ahead and whiten your teeth prior to bonding. That’s because after composite is placed, it can’t be whitened. The ideal situation is to have your teeth whitened before the bonding is placed, so that Dr. Mark can select the brightest color of composite. Otherwise you would have to change the bonding out with a new restoration if you ever decided to bleach your teeth in the future.
Maintenance of Your New Restoration
It’s important to care for your bonding so that it lasts as long as possible. Occasionally bonding may need to be updated, especially if it’s in an area such as the edge of a tooth, where biting pressure is applied.
Brush and floss around your bonding daily. At night, consider wearing a night guard (bite splint) to avoid excess wear to your bonding and surrounding teeth.
Bonding vs. Recontouring
Sometimes teeth don’t need to be added onto, but there are still cosmetic issues related to their shape. Recontouring is an alternative to dental bonding, where Dr. Mark smooths out uneven edges for a more consistent smile line. Like bonding, recontouring can be done independently or in conjunction with other cosmetic procedures.
More often than not, the two go hand in hand, depending on the sizes and shapes of the teeth at the front of your smile.
Martina Machado
For someone who is deathly afraid of the dentist, my nerves disappeared instantly. When I first arrived, Maria the receptionist was very welcoming and that was exactly what I needed in order to feel more comfortable. I was then taken in for X-rays and of course my nerves started up again but Marvin was very patient with me and reassured me that there was no rush. Ana then took me in for my cleaning and she explained everything to me step by step. Not once did I feel uncomfortable. Lastly, I met with Dr.Mark who is very knowledgeable and gave me my next steps to ensuring that my teeth stay healthy and my smile gets to where I want it to be. Overall, it was an amazing visit and I know I am in great hands!
Lisamarie Garguilo
Thank you Dr. Mark! Visiting Forest Hills Dental was the best decision! I recently moved to Queens from Long Island and did not have a dentist in the area. My situation was unique and I was told that not to many dentist would take on my issue. I made an appointment on line. Maria the receptionist called to confirm my appointment, when I explained what was going on and she immediately re-scheduled to get me in sooner to see Dr. Mark. While in the chair Dr. Mark explained everything that was going to happen with the procedure and made sure I was never in pain. I am so happy I found them. Thank you again for taking care of me!