Dental bonding is an efficient, minimally invasive cosmetic dental procedure that promises fast results. Bonding itself is made from a tooth-colored composite resin material, similar to tooth-colored fillings. The procedure itself is made to improve the appearance of your teeth, specifically if there’s an isolated issue on one or two teeth in a visible area of your smile. This fast and cost-effective option allows our Princeton dentist to correct minor cosmetic dental issues, such as chipped, cracked, or discolored teeth that detract from your overall smile.
Dr. Bestandji at Canal Vista Family Dental in Princeton, NJ, is an experienced cosmetic dentist who can help you achieve a beautiful, healthy smile through a variety of aesthetic options. Dental bonding is just one of them! If you’re considering other cosmetic treatments like whitening or veneers, but only one or two teeth are a concern, then cosmetic bonding may be your best solution!
Composite Dental Bonding vs. Veneers
Composite dental bonding and veneers are both cosmetic dental procedures that can improve the appearance of your teeth, but there are some differences between the two.
Composite dental bonding involves applying a tooth-colored composite resin material directly to the surface of the tooth. This material is then sculpted and shaped to improve the appearance of the tooth. Composite dental bonding is a minimally invasive procedure that can be completed in a single visit.
Veneers, on the other hand, are applied in sets over several teeth at a time. Each veneer is custom-made and bonded to the front surface of your teeth. Veneers work together to recreate the overall appearance of your smile, such as tooth shape, size, color, and alignment. They can be made from porcelain or composite resin materials and require more preparation of the tooth before placement. As such, veneers require much more of a time and monetary investment to complete.
The decision between composite dental bonding and veneers depends on the extent of the cosmetic issue you’re dealing with and what you’re trying to achieve. Dr. Bestandji can help determine which cosmetic dental option is best for you based on your specific needs and goals.
The Dental Bonding Procedure
A dental bonding treatment is a simple and straightforward process that can be completed in just one visit to Canal Vista Family Dental in Princeton, NJ. In some cases, numbing isn’t even needed because the procedure is minimally or not invasive at all.
The first step in the dental bonding procedure is to clean and prepare the tooth. Dr. Bestandji will apply a conditioning liquid to the tooth to help the bonding material adhere properly. Next, the composite resin material is matched and applied to the tooth, then shaped and sculpted to achieve the desired result. The goal is to create a surface that’s not distinguishable from your actual tooth structure, as it only covers a small portion of your tooth. Finally, a special light is used to harden the material.
The entire dental bonding procedure typically takes less than an hour per tooth and is usually totally painless. Dr. Bestandji will provide local anesthesia if necessary—such as when there’s a large chip or deeper area to address—to ensure your comfort throughout the entire procedure.
How to Care for Dental Bonding
Proper care is vital to ensure the longevity of your dental bonding. While bonding is strong, it’s not as durable as lab-made restorations like veneers or crowns. If it chips, it will have to be replaced. Here are some tips to help your dental bonding last as long as possible:
- Practice good oral hygiene: Brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily, including around your teeth with dental bonding. This will reduce your risk of cavities around those teeth, limiting the need for a “re-do” on those areas.
- Avoid dark liquids and stain-causing foods like curry, berries, or red wine. Composite bonding can stain more easily than porcelain does, so it’s important to limit contact with anything that might stain a white t-shirt.
- Don’t bite or chew on hard objects: Dental bonding is durable, but it can still be damaged by biting or chewing on hard objects or biting your nails. The extra pressure—especially if the bonding is on the edge of your tooth—could cause the composite material to pop off.
- Schedule regular dental check-ups. Dr. Bestandji can check your bonding and other areas of your smile to make sure everything is holding up properly.
- Sleep in a nightguard. If you have any tendency to clench or grind your teeth, make sure you’re protecting your new cosmetic dental treatment by wearing a professionally fitted mouthguard when you sleep.
How Long Does Dental Bonding Last?
With proper care and maintenance, cosmetic bonding can last for several years. On average, most areas of dental bonding can last about 3-10 years. However, some people may find that their bonding lasts up to 15 years or more.
To ensure the longevity of your dental bonding, make sure you follow your home care instructions and avoid biting directly into hard objects. It’s also important to schedule regular dental check-ups with Dr. Bestandji to detect any issues with your dental bonding early on.
If your dental bonding becomes damaged or starts to show signs of wear and tear, Dr. Bestandji can easily replace it or touch up that area.
Who Can Get Dental Bonding?
Anyone with a noticeably chipped or misshaped tooth can usually get dental bonding as long as the area isn’t too large or reaches into the nerve. Including children! Dental bonding may be an option for you if you have teeth that are:
- Chipped or cracked
- Discolored or severely stained
- Slightly gapped
- Short
- Uneven
- Misshaped
Conservative dental bonding is a minimally invasive procedure that can be completed in just one visit at Canal Vista Family Dental in Princeton, NJ. Dr. Bestandji can evaluate your oral health and determine if dental bonding is the right choice for you.
Request a Consultation Today
Contact Canal Vista Family Dental today to schedule a consultation to learn more about dental bonding and other cosmetic dental procedures in Princeton, NJ.
