Cosmetic dentistry continues to gain popularity as more and more people want a brighter, whiter, more uniform smile. In this world of selfies and social media, it’s more important than ever to feel confident when you look in the mirror. Fortunately, there are many different cosmetic treatments to fit your budget, timeline, and smile goals.
One such cosmetic dental treatment is composite bonding. Your Lindenhurst dentist uses tooth-colored composite resin to enhance your smile’s appearance and conceal minor cosmetic flaws. In this “Ultimate Guide to a Perfect Smile,” you’ll learn everything you need about the composite bonding process, whether you are a potential candidate, and how it matches up against other cosmetic treatments.
So, are you ready to learn more?
What Is Composite Bonding?
Composite bonding, or dental bonding, is a straightforward dental procedure designed to improve your smile’s appearance. By applying tooth-colored composite resin to your teeth, we can alter their size, shape, and color. Using an artistic eye and the latest materials, you can achieve the smile of your dreams in just one visit to our dental office.
Determining Your Candidacy
Composite bonding is mainly used for cosmetic purposes. When you visit our dental office for a consultation, we can discuss your smile goals and determine whether you are a good candidate for this procedure. Dental bonding is one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments due to its speed and affordability.
This technique can be used to:
- Conceal chipped or cracked teeth
- Camouflage discolored teeth
- Close gapped teeth or spaces between teeth
- Make teeth appear longer
- Change the shape of teeth
In some instances, composite resin material is used for restorative dentistry to:
- Fill a cavity
- Replace old silver amalgam fillings to improve a tooth’s aesthetic appearance
- Protect the tooth’s roots as a result of gum recession
The Difference between Composite Bonding and Veneers
You may wonder if composite bonding is right for you or if you should consider porcelain veneers instead. Let’s examine the differences so you can make the most informed decision about your smile.
Porcelain veneers — Veneers are thin, custom-made porcelain shells bonded to the front sides of your teeth. Before they can be placed, we remove some of your tooth enamel to make room for the veneers, making them a permanent cosmetic alteration.
Your veneers will last many years, but they will eventually need replacement. They are also highly stain-resistant and natural-looking.
Composite bonding — Dental bonding, on the other hand, is not a permanent cosmetic procedure. It isn’t necessary to alter your tooth’s structure for bonding, making it completely reversible.
Although this technique doesn’t last as long as veneers, you can still expect the tooth-colored resin to last for years as long as you follow our care instructions. Practicing good oral hygiene and being careful about biting down on hard objects can go a long way in preserving your new smile. Composite resin is somewhat stain-resistant, but keeping your mouth clean is essential if you want them to look their best.
The Procedure: What to Expect Before, During, and After
If you think composite bonding might be the right cosmetic treatment for your smile, knowing what to expect when you visit your Lindenhurst dental office is essential. Here’s what will happen before, during, and after the procedure:
Before
When you arrive for your cosmetic consultation, we will discuss your smile goals and examine your teeth and gums to see if composite bonding suits you. We’ll take x-rays and address dental issues like tooth decay, gum disease, or other oral health problems. These issues must be treated before you can undergo a composite bonding procedure.
During
Here's what you can expect on the day of your procedure:
- Once you have decided on composite bonding to enhance your smile, we’ll use a shade guide to help you determine which resin color most closely matches the color of your teeth. This will ensure that the resin blends seamlessly with your natural teeth.
- Next, we will etch and roughen your teeth and apply a conditioning liquid to make the bonding material stick correctly. For most people, anesthesia isn’t necessary because we don’t remove the tooth enamel protecting the nerves inside your teeth. We recommend taking over-the-counter pain relievers if you experience sensitivity after the procedure.
- Then, we’ll apply the composite resin material, mold it, and smooth it until we achieve the look you want.
- Once you’re happy with the aesthetic appearance, we’ll use a special curing light to “bond” the resin to the surface of your teeth.
- The last step involves polishing your teeth to give them a natural-looking shine and checking your bite.
In about an hour, you’ll be ready to show your new and improved smile to the world!
After
Once your composite bonding treatment is complete, there’s no downtime. As soon as we’re finished with the procedure, you’ll be ready to return to your day. Before you leave, we’ll discuss what you need to do to keep your teeth looking their best. Be sure to follow these aftercare instructions to increase the longevity of your new smile:
- For the first 24 hours, avoid hard or sticky foods such as popcorn, ice, and candy. While the bonding material hardens, eat soft foods so you don’t put too much pressure on your new smile.
- To prevent your teeth from becoming discolored, avoid staining foods and drinks. Coffee, tea, red wine, dark sauces, and dark juices can dull your new look, and smoking can also stain the composite resin.
- Drink plenty of water, especially after eating. Drinking water can remove food debris and keep your mouth’s acidity levels low.
- Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss between each tooth once a day.
- Visit your Lindenhurst dentist every six months for routine check-ups and cleanings.
The Benefits of Composite Bonding
Compared to some other cosmetic dental treatments, dental bonding boasts several benefits, including the following:
- Minimally invasive — Composite bonding doesn’t require significant tooth alteration; we can improve your smile’s appearance without removing precious tooth enamel.
- Cost-effective — Dental bonding is one of the most cost-effective cosmetic treatment options, making it extremely popular.
- Fast and convenient — Unlike veneers and other cosmetic treatments that require multiple visits, you can enjoy a new and improved look after only one office visit.
- Versatile — With composite bonding, we can conceal numerous imperfections, such as chips, cracks, gaps, and discoloration.
Want to Learn More about Cosmetic Dentistry in Lindenhurst, NY?
To learn more about composite bonding teeth, contact the expert dental team at Pearly Place Dental! We can help you form an appropriate treatment plan and achieve a healthier, more beautiful smile.
Call our dental office at (631) 226-1900 to get started today!