Tooth Bonding: An Overview
Cosmetic teeth bonding is an affordable and conservative treatment option for patients who have small chips or cracks in their teeth. Teeth bonding is a fairly quick and easy restorative treatment option.
East Hanover, NJ, dentist Dr. Raj Upadya is an experienced cosmetic dentist who can help patients achieve natural-looking results with teeth bonding. Furthermore, he provides many cosmetic dentistry treatments in his East Hanover, New Jersey, dental office.
Tooth bonding may be recommended to treat:
- Spaces between teeth
- Misshapen teeth
- Minor chips, cracks, or damage to teeth
- Discolored teeth
- Tooth cavities
If you have more significant chips or cracks, Dr. Upadya may recommend porcelain veneers or dental crowns to reinforce the tooth and restore proper function.
It is important to remember that dental composites are not as durable or long-lasting as porcelain restorations and may need to be re-touched or replaced in the future. Depending on the amount of bonding and your oral habits, teeth bonding material lasts about 3 to 10 years before it may require touch-ups or replacement in our Summit, NJ, cosmetic dentistry office.
After those three to ten years, the composite resin may begin to chip or break off the tooth. Also, dental bonding is not as stain-resistant as porcelain veneers or a dental crown.
Cost of Tooth Bonding
Tooth bonding is often covered by dental insurance when addressing tooth damage or dental health concerns, but it is also an alternative to the more expensive option of dental veneers. Before your treatment, we will discuss all aspects of your tooth bonding procedure, including cost.
While we do not participate in any dental insurance plans, we will submit billing to your insurance company so that you can receive reimbursement directly from the insurance company. If you have specific questions about your dental insurance, please get in touch with our office.
Tooth Bonding: What to Expect
Cosmetic teeth bonding is typically completed during a single visit to our Summit, NJ dentist office and takes less than an hour. Dr. Upadya will select a composite resin color that will closely match the color of your natural teeth for virtually unnoticeable treatment.
Dr. Upadya will prepare the surface of the tooth (or teeth) to be treated. The tooth’s surface will be roughened slightly, and a conditioning liquid is applied to help the resin adhere to the tooth. Then, Dr. Upadya will directly apply a tooth-colored, biocompatible composite resin and sculpt it into the desired shape.
An ultraviolet light or laser hardens the material. Once the composite has cured, Dr. Upadya will trim, shape, and polish it to match the sheen of the rest of the tooth surface.
Tooth Bonding FAQs
How long does dental bonding last on front teeth?
Dental bonding lasts between 4-8 years. This depends on patients’ oral hygiene, diet, and tooth alignment.
How soon can you eat after tooth bonding?
Patients do not have to wait after tooth bonding to eat or drink. Patients may feel some tooth sensitivity, but it should be entirely bearable.
Can a bonded tooth be whitened?
Dental bonds cannot be whitened. However, they are matched to each individual’s teeth. Patients should ensure that their teeth are the color they want before having a bond made so that the color matches.
How long does it take for teeth bonding to set?
Bonding takes between 30-60 minutes to set. After this period, the bonding should be set, dried, and ready for normal use. Adjusting to speaking and chewing with your new bond may take some time.
How long should a bonded tooth last?
Bonded teeth typically last around three to 10 years before needing replacement or touch-ups. This varies based on the placement of the bond and the patient’s oral care routine.
Should I whiten my teeth before bonding?
We recommend whitening your natural teeth before a bonding procedure. This will ensure that when we color-match the bonding resin, your teeth will be at their whitest. With proper oral hygiene, your natural teeth and those bonded together should continue to match.
Schedule a Dental Exam Today
If you want to learn more about composite teeth bonding in the Summit, NJ, and East Hanover, NJ, area, contact the Metropolitan Center for Complete Dentistry for a consultation with Dr. Raj Upadya. Call us at (973) 287-3153 or schedule an appointment online.