At Forestream Dental, Buffalo-area dentist Dr. Larry Evola uses dental bonding to correct small smile defects like:
- Chips
- Stains or spots
- Small gaps between teeth
- Slightly crooked or misaligned teeth
- Cavities in front teeth
If your teeth are severely misaligned or crooked or you have missing teeth or large gaps, other procedures such as orthodontics or porcelain veneers may be the best solution. Bonding is a good procedure for repairing minor misalignment, and for covering small defects rather than larger ones.
What is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding material is a tooth-colored resin substance similar in texture to putty. Dr. Evola can shape this resin very precisely to fill small chips, or to slightly reshape a tooth that's a bit out of alignment so that it looks straight and even.
During your complimentary consultation with Dr. Evola, he will evaluate any minor defects you have and let you know if tooth bonding is an appropriate solution. If you decide to go ahead with it, he will choose a shade that matches your natural teeth very closely. He could use it to fill a small gap between teeth by slightly enlarging each of those teeth towards the gap. Once completed there will be no visible line between your natural tooth and the bonding material.
Advantages of Dental Tooth Bonding
- It can be completed in one visit. It does not require any mold or impression to be made and is fast, painless and relatively inexpensive when compared to other cosmetic dental procedures.
- No anesthetic is required. After the bonding is shaped so that both you and Dr. Evola are pleased with it, he'll harden it with a special curing light, and it will then be part of your tooth.
Dental Bonding Compared to Porcelain
Dental bonding lacks the pearly sheen that dental porcelain has. Why? Porcelain and tooth enamel both allow light to enter them, and both have an underlying layer which reflects the light back out again. With porcelain, that layer is the dental cement holding the porcelain to the tooth. With tooth enamel that layer is the dentin, a yellowish solid layer beneath the enamel. Bonding is not translucent, so no light enters it or reflects back out from under it, and therefore it lacks the shiny quality of porcelain and enamel.
But bonding is white and matched to your teeth. So if you have one or two small areas to correct, no one will be able to tell the difference between tooth bonding and porcelain, except another dentist. If you have several areas that need to be corrected and they are all on the front teeth, porcelain veneers may be a better option for you. Buffalo area dentist Dr. Evola will discuss all of the options available to you when you come in for your complimentary consultation.
Who Is an Ideal Candidate for Dental Bonding?
Good candidates for dental bonding are people with minor cosmetic or structural issues impacting their teeth. It may be necessary to treat pre-existing issues, such as gum disease, in preparation for dental bonding, but this safe, effective, and minimally invasive treatment is suitable for anyone.
What is the Dental Bonding Procedure?
Tooth bonding is made of a composite resin that is placed on top of teeth in need of minor repair. It is applied in layers, with each one being hardened before the next is applied. Once a sufficient amount of resin has been placed on the tooth, it is shaped and polished to match those teeth it is adjacent to, allowing for a completely natural-looking smile.
The process typically takes around 30 to 60 minutes per tooth and, while it is not a painful procedure, patients having multiple teeth worked on may benefit from sedation. We will discuss this, along with all of the ways we strive to keep you comfortable during your tooth bonding consultation at our Depew office.
Recovery & Aftercare for Dental Bonding?
There is no aftercare required for dental bonding. While you may experience slight tooth sensitivity for a few days following your treatment, there is no recovery period with tooth bonding; you can resume all of your normal activities right away.
If you do experience sensitivity, using a toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth can help. So too can OTC medications such as ibuprofen.
You care for teeth with bonding the same way you care for your natural teeth: brush after every meal, floss twice daily, visit our office every six months for cleanings. You will want to use a soft bristle toothbrush and to avoid toothpaste with abrasive ingredients such as charcoal or baking soda, as both of these things can damage bonding. Outside of that, dental bonding does not require any special care.
Will Dental Bonding Ruin My Teeth?
Not at all. In fact, it will do the exact opposite.
Dental bonding is used to repair teeth that are broken, irregularly sized or shaped, unevenly spaced, and more. It fixes teeth that have been “ruined” by trauma, severe decay, and bite irregularities. It is a safe, durable, and cost-effective dental restoration.
Are There Any Risks With Dental Bonding?
There are no risks with dental bonding. Safe, non-toxic, and effective, dental bonding is also easy to apply, allowing us to quickly correct any damage that may occur due to daily use and helping your smile remain bright and beautiful for years to come.
To learn more about dental bonding, visit our Frequently Asked Questions about Dental Bonding page.
You can also take a look at our Before and After photo gallery where you can see examples of dental bonding. Call or email us today to schedule an appointment or a complimentary consultation. We're conveniently located in the Buffalo area and serve the nearby areas of Lancaster, Amherst, Orchard Park and Williamsville communities.
