Dental Bonding in Melville

If you're self-conscious about cosmetic imperfections with your teeth, you're not alone. Plenty of people struggle with the same insecurities.

At Implant & General Dentistry of Long Island, Dr. Dean Glasser, a Columbia University Dental School professor, and Dr. Renee Glasser use dental bonding to mask those flaws and give patients perfect smiles. As a bonus, in most cases, this cosmetic treatment can be done in a single appointment!

What is Dental Bonding?

Dental bonding is a cosmetic alternative to porcelain veneers. Dr. Dean Glasser and Dr. Renee Glasser can repair decayed, chipped, fractured, or deeply discolored teeth using a composite resin made from a combination of tooth-colored plastic and glass. They sculpt the resin, applying it layer by layer until satisfied. Then, they polish the tooth to a beautiful finish.

Problems Dental Bonding Can Mask

Dental bonding can cosmetically cover many problems:

• Minor chips
• Small cracks
• Uneven teeth
• Teeth stained in the dentin (interior)
• Crooked teeth
• Gaps between teeth

Dentists also use composite resin for tooth-colored fillings, but bonding is considered to be a separate, purely cosmetic procedure. Remember that problems such as decay or deep cracks must be addressed before bonding occurs.

Dental Bonding Candidates

A good candidate is someone who:

• Has Minor Cosmetic Flaws: These could include small chips, cracks, or gaps in the teeth, as well as discoloration or stains that do not respond to teeth whitening.
• Needs Shape or Size Adjustments: Patients may want to reshape teeth or make them appear more uniform.
• Has Healthy Teeth and Gums: Patients should not have significant decay or gum disease. Bonding works best on structurally sound teeth.
• Is a Non-Smoker: Bonding material can stain over time. Patients should commit to avoiding staining substances like tobacco.

Those with severe tooth damage or decay may need other restorative treatments like crowns or veneers. Individuals with habits like teeth grinding or nail-biting may not benefit, either. This is because bonding material can wear down or break under excessive pressure.

The Dental Bonding Procedure

First, your teeth are cleaned. If you have staining from coffee or red wine, you may want to whiten your teeth first to return them to their natural color before selecting the composite resin color. 

After choosing the color to match your other teeth, we then lightly etch the enamel of the tooth or teeth being bonded. This creates a better surface for the resin to bond to. We also apply a conditioning liquid to further aid adherence.

Now, we apply the resin in small increments. The consistency is akin to putty at this point, and the contour and depth are built up in layers. There is an element of sculpting involved in this process. We will cure the resin in layers by applying a curing lamp.

When satisfied with the shape of your bonded tooth, the final step is to test the bite to make sure there aren't any high points and the like. When you are satisfied, we polish the cured resin, which blends perfectly with your adjacent teeth. The entire process takes just an hour or two, depending on how many teeth you have bonded.

Dental Bonding Advantages and Disadvantages

Dental bonding is a less expensive option for cosmetically improving your teeth. However, there are pros and cons to this procedure.

Advantages

• Bonding is a cheaper alternative to porcelain crowns or veneers.
• Bonding can be done in a single visit, usually requiring just an hour or so.
• The resin color is matched to your natural teeth very accurately.
• The procedure is painless and doesn't require anesthetic.
• The procedure is completely non-invasive.
• Bonding is applied over the tooth, so it doesn't require removing any enamel, which is necessary for placing veneers or crowns.

Disadvantages

• Chewing hard foods and grinding your teeth can make the bonding crack or chip.
• Although it resists staining better than your natural enamel, the composite resin isn't as stain-resistant as dental porcelain.
• Excessive bite force or trauma can cause the bond to detach.
• Bonding isn't meant for large areas.
• Bonding doesn't return strength to a damaged tooth, as a crown does.
• Bonding doesn't respond to whitening.

FAQs

How is Bonding Different Than Porcelain Veneers?

Dental bonding and porcelain veneers are both solely cosmetic procedures, covering minor damage and flaws on the teeth. Their application is entirely different.

With bonding, composite resin is applied, sculpted, and then cured and polished. Veneers are thin porcelain shells that are applied to the fronts of the teeth. To make room for the veneers, from 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm of the tooth enamel is shaved off. With bonding, the enamel is not removed.

Veneers are very resistant to staining, more so than resin. Veneers also last longer but are more expensive. Veneers require two appointments as well, whereas bonding only needs one.

How Long Does Dental Bonding Last?

If you follow a good home hygiene routine and avoid chewing ice and your fingernails, your bonded teeth will look great for a decade or so. Your resin can wear down over time, and it can become slightly stained. At that point, the bonding can be redone.

Do I Need to Provide Special Care for My Bonded Teeth?

Bonded teeth don't require any special care. Your teeth will remain in good condition as long as you follow a regular home hygiene routine.

Is Dental Bonding As Strong As Natural Teeth?

No. Your natural tooth enamel is one of the strongest materials in your body. The composite resin material that is bonded to a tooth is susceptible to damage as well as staining.

To sustain the integrity of dental bonding, it is helpful to learn how to care for this cosmetic restoration properly:

• Keep your teeth clean: To reduce the risk of discoloration and damage, brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day.
• Avoid harmful behaviors: Avoid using the bonded teeth for biting into chewy or hard foods. 
• Only use your teeth for chewing: Don't use your teeth (natural or bonded) to open packages or other items.

After having the dental bonding procedure done, it is necessary to adhere to your dentist's care instructions, including routine dental check-ups and cleanings. At your appointments, we thoroughly check all functional and cosmetic restorations to ensure they are in good condition.

Is Dental Bonding Visible?

The dental bonding procedure is performed with extraordinary care to ensure that the composite material blends in seamlessly with the surrounding enamel. With good care, the bonded tooth should look just like your natural teeth for many years.

The cosmetic restoration may become visible over time if the resin gets discolored. Discoloration can occur if you consume products that are known to stain teeth, such as red wine, coffee, tea, and tobacco. 

Having dental bonding does not mean that you have to alter your lifestyle habits completely. However, you will want to develop ways to mitigate some. For example, if you love your morning cup of coffee, you can create the habit of rinsing your mouth with water afterward. Brushing and flossing also serve to prevent discoloration on or around dental bonding.

Can You Whiten Bonded Teeth?

It is possible to whiten your teeth after the dental bonding procedure, but we recommend doing it beforehand if possible. This is because traditional whitening processes are not as effective on bonded teeth. 

When you have your teeth whitened before the dental bonding procedure, your dentist can match the bonding material to the brighter shade of your natural teeth. When your teeth become discolored again over time, the whitening process can be repeated.

What Can't You Eat With Dental Bonding?

Dental bonding is generally very durable and capable of withstanding normal biting force. This is why dental bonding is known to last 10 years or longer.

While the material can hold up to normal biting, it may degrade more quickly as a result of intense chewing. This is why dental bonding is most commonly performed on front teeth, not back teeth.

If you undergo dental bonding, our team may advise you to avoid biting into very dense or hard foods like steak and raw carrots. You may eat these items, but it is better to cut them into bite-sized pieces and chew with molars rather than using your bonded front teeth. 

Sticky, chewy foods like gum and caramel can also damage dental bonding. In this case, biting and twisting is the problem. This motion can compromise the integrity of the bonding material against the tooth. 

While you can continue to enjoy your favorite foods after getting dental bonding, chew carefully and rinse your mouth with water after eating or drinking items that can stain your teeth.

Is Dental Bonding Painful?

Patients do not describe the dental bonding process as painful. This is because all aspects of the procedure, from the dental cleaning to etching to the curing of the resin material, occur on the tooth's surface. 

During the consultation visit, your dentist will fully discuss the steps of the treatment and the techniques involved. They work hard to ensure patient comfort at all times.

Most patients have zero pain during their treatment and minimal, if any, sensitivity afterward.

Can Dental Bonding Discolor Over Time?

Dental bonding treatment involves the precise application and polishing of composite resin. The durable material is color-matched to your teeth but can change over time.

The composite resin used for dental treatments is somewhat porous. Tiny particles of debris can settle into the material a little at a time, resulting in a change in the shade of your bonding at some point.

What Can I Do To Avoid Stains on My Dental Bonding?

Dental bonding doesn't require special care outside of good daily hygiene. However, if you're interested in maintaining a consistent shade of radiant white for as long as possible, you may want to implement a few strategies:

• Rinse your mouth with water after consuming foods and beverages that can stain your teeth. Bonding material can become stained over time if you consume red wine, curries, colas, coffee, tea, and tomato sauce on a regular basis. It's not necessary to make drastic changes to your eating habits to avoid discoloration, nor is it necessary to brush after every meal. A quick rinse can sweep away a good amount of the pigmented molecules that cause stains.
• Take care of your teeth with daily brushing and flossing. Dental bonding doesn't protect your teeth from decay, so you must maintain a consistent oral hygiene practice. To reduce the chances of your cosmetic treatment diminishing too quickly, use the right toothpaste for your needs. Many whitening kinds of toothpaste work through gentle abrasion. This may not be suitable for cosmetic restorations because abrasions on the softer material can invite stains rather than repel them.
• Avoid smoking, vaping, and tobacco use when you have dental bonding or other restorations. The substances in these products pose a significant risk to the color of your teeth.

Can I Have a Porcelain Veneer Placed Over Dental Bonding?

It's not uncommon for people with dental bonding to consider covering this cosmetic restoration with a porcelain veneer. There are several advantages to be gained by taking this step. However, it must be approached with the utmost care.

While there is a slight chance of successful coverage by simply applying a porcelain veneer over a small area of bonding, it's important to work with a dentist who understands the risks. 

Before recommending this type of treatment, your dentist should perform a thorough examination and consultation, during which your oral health is the primary focus. If your anterior dental bonding was performed to address decay, there may be reason to consider a lifelike dental crown rather than a veneer.

Here in our Melville office, we want to achieve outstanding cosmetic results that last as long as possible. Dr. Dean Glasser and Dr. Renee Glasser put a great deal of concentration and skill into every treatment, whether a first-time restoration or the replacement of dental bonding that's begun to degrade.

Is Dental Bonding Suitable for Children and Teenagers?

Yes, children and teenagers can benefit from dental bonding. The procedure preserves most of the natural tooth structure. This makes it an ideal option for growing children and teens.

Can Dental Bonding Lengthen Teeth?

Yes, dental bonding can lengthen teeth. By applying tooth-colored composite resin to the ends of the teeth, Dr. Dean Glasser or Dr. Renee Glasser can add length to improve their proportions and appearance.

This approach is particularly useful for addressing:

• Uneven tooth lengths
• Wear from grinding
• Naturally short teeth

The quick process provides a natural-looking result that blends with the surrounding teeth.

Does Dental Bonding Help With Tooth Sensitivity?

Yes, dental bonding can help with tooth sensitivity.

Dental bonding can create a protective barrier by covering exposed areas of the tooth. This barrier reduces sensitivity to temperature changes and certain foods or beverages.

Bonding is an effective solution for individuals experiencing mild to moderate sensitivity. It enhances both comfort and tooth function.

Can Damaged Dental Bonding Be Repaired?

Yes, your dentist can repair dental bonding if it gets damaged. If the composite resin chips, cracks, or wears down over time, they can reapply or touch up the bonding material.

The repair process generally involves:

• Cleaning the damaged area
• Roughening the surface to ensure proper adhesion
• Applying and shaping new resin to restore the tooth's appearance and function

Why Choose Implant & General Dentistry of Long Island?

Implant & General Dentistry of Long Island is a premier destination for superior dental care. Dr. Dean Glasser and Dr. Renee Glasser lead the practice.

Dr. Dean Glasser's extensive credentials highlight his exceptional skill and dedication. He is a Diplomate and Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. He is also a fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry, the American Association of Hospital Dentistry, and the Misch Implant Institute.

Dr. Renee Glasser brings a fresh perspective to the practice, combining advanced knowledge and a patient-centered approach. A Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine graduate, she served as Vice President of the American Student Dental Association's Stony Brook Chapter, demonstrating her leadership and commitment to excellence.

Together, this father-daughter team provides comprehensive, compassionate dental solutions.

Schedule a Consultation Today

Do you think you're a good candidate for dental bonding in Melville, NY? Do you want to learn more about this procedure and its benefits?

If so, contact Implant & General Dentistry of Long Island today to make an appointment with Dr. Dean Glasser or Dr. Renee Glasser. Call us at (631) 423-6767 or submit our online form.