Tooth Bonding

When it comes to personal appearance and confidence, nothing beats a dazzling, healthy smile. If your smile isn’t perfect because of decayed, chipped, cracked, discolored, or misshapen teeth, all is not lost. Dental bonding can help you change the look of your smile without invasive, expensive, and lengthy dental procedures.

What is tooth bonding?

Dental bonding involves attaching a durable, tooth-colored material to your teeth using a powerful light. The light affixes the bonding to the teeth, eliminating imperfections. As the light works, your dentist will use an expert eye to mold and smooth the material, making your smile appear as natural as possible. Because bonding is available in multiple colors, your dentist will choose a shade that matches your original teeth.

How does it work?

The bonding procedure is relatively fast, requires little preparation, and can be performed without anesthesia. First, the targeted tooth is treated with a roughing agent and conditioning liquid, which will help the bonding stick. Next, the dentist applies the bonding material, uses an ultraviolet light to harden it, and shapes/molds it to align with the rest of the teeth. The entire process averages 30-60 minutes per tooth.

What are the Benefits and Disadvantages?

Dental bonding is much simpler than veneers, crowns, and other dental procedures that can be used to treat the same problems. Bonding also requires less tooth enamel than other procedures and is less expensive. In addition to cosmetic applications, bonding can be used to protect tooth roots exposed by receding gums and as a filling agent. However, bonding is not as durable and long-lasting as more permanent solutions, and it does not resist stains as well as some other materials. Typical bonding lasts from three to 10 years if it is well maintained. Bonded teeth are cleaned the same way you clean all of your teeth.

Dental bonding is a simple, cost-effective way to change your smile. If you think bonding could help your smile shine again, contact our Yorktown dental office today. We can discuss your options and help you make a positive step forward in your dental health and personal appearance.

What Are Inlays and Onlays?

Even moderate tooth damage or decay can have a big effect on your self-confidence, so fixing the problem with an attractive and durable solution is important. If you have a tooth or teeth that are too damaged for a filling but not so badly damaged that they need crowns, inlays and onlays can help.

Made from composite, porcelain or zirconium, inlays and onlays cover the damaged portion of the tooth in such a way that the healthy areas of the tooth remain intact. The difference between inlays and onlays lies in where they are placed. Inlays are used when a tooth is damaged within the top face of the tooth. Onlays are used when damage is covers more than one face of the tooth.

Benefits of Inlays and Onlays

Inlays and onlays are designed from sturdy materials which are intended to strengthen, stabilize and protect the remaining tooth. Composite, porcelain and zirconia restorations are designed to match the natural color of your teeth, improving the aesthetics of your smile. Because they are a conservative approach to dentistry, they do not require the removal of any healthy portion of your tooth as done when prepping for a crown.

The Process

Before your tooth is prepped for the cosmetic restoration, the dentist will take an impression of your original tooth to create a mold for your final restoration. The tooth is then prepped by removing the decay and damaged section or sections of the tooth. A temporary is set in place until your final restoration is delivered at a second appointment, about two weeks later. At the Yorktown dental practice of Dr. Michael Schwartz and Dr. Jennifer Goodale, we provide a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere before, during and after your procedure.

Decayed and damaged teeth can result in lower confidence levels, as well as daily discomfort especially when eating and drinking. Inlays and onlays can quickly return your smile and deliver a healthy bite. Drs. Schwartz and Goodale can help you decide which restoration is best for your dental condition. Contact our Yorktown dental office and schedule an appointment today!