Cosmetic bonding is a dental procedure that uses tooth-colored resin (a durable ceramic and plastic compound) to repair a range of dental concerns, including chipped or cracked teeth. The dental bonding process is highly customized to deliver natural-looking results for each patient. Our highly-experienced cosmetic dentist – Dr. George Tsangaroulis – can help restore your smile and boost your confidence through dental bonding. To find out more about cosmetic bonding, please read the information provided below, or contact our office with any questions you may have. Cosmetic Bonding Benefits Cosmetic Bonding Candidates What Is Bioclear®? Cosmetic Bonding vs. Porcelain Veneers Cosmetic Bonding Procedure Cosmetic Bonding Results Cosmetic Bonding Cost What Are the Benefits of Dental Bonding? Cosmetic bonding can improve your smile in a variety of ways. Patients come to Greenwich Cosmetic & Family Dentistry for dental bonding because it can address the following dental problems: Minor chips and cracks in teeth Minor tooth stains and discoloration Decayed portions of teeth Misshapen or short teeth Gaps between teeth Is Cosmetic Bonding Right for Me? Ideal candidates for cosmetic bonding are typically patients struggling with minor tooth chips and cracks. The procedure can address visible imperfections to repair the overall appearance of your smile. Additionally, if you’re currently satisfied with the shade of your teeth and don’t desire whitening treatments, then cosmetic dental bonding can be a good option. What Is Bioclear®? The Bioclear® system is similar to traditional dental bonding in that both methods use composite resin to fix a variety of dental problems; however, Bioclear® is often considered more durable, more stain-resistant, and better at fixing the look of dark triangles between teeth. To learn more about Bioclear® and to determine if it is the right restorative solution for you, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Tsangaroulis. He will be able to decide if you are a good candidate for Bioclear®. Cosmetic Bonding vs. Porcelain Veneers Cosmetic bonding and porcelain veneers are two common aesthetic dentistry treatments that can revitalize the appearance of a patient’s smile. While cosmetic bonding works best for minor oral imperfections, porcelain veneers may be better for moderate chips and cracks. Veneers consist of a thin, long-lasting shell that’s adhered to the front of a tooth to cover visible decay. The dental porcelain is also fairly stain-resistant and typically more durable than bonding resin. For patients who do not desire porcelain veneers, cosmetic bonding can be a good, cost-effective alternative. Dental bonding can address many of the same concerns that veneers can; however, the outcomes of dental bonding may not last nearly as long as veneers results can. During your consultation, Dr. Tsangaroulis can help determine whether cosmetic bonding, porcelain veneers, or a different restorative solution is best for your needs and cosmetic goals. What Is the Cosmetic Bonding Procedure Like? Dr. Tsangaroulis prepares the tooth by carefully roughening it and applying a special solution that helps the composite resin stick to the tooth. The composite resin material is then placed on the tooth layer by layer. In between each layer, the material is molded while it is still soft and putty-like, and an ultraviolet light is used to harden it onto the enamel. The last step is to polish the tooth so that it can seamlessly blend in with surrounding teeth. The whole process usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour per tooth. A big advantage to dental bonding is that the procedure is usually completed in one appointment. The convenience of this treatment is one of the key reasons why some patients choose dental bonding over other restorative options. What Kind of Results Can I Expect with Cosmetic Bonding? Cosmetic bonding is designed to produce results that look and feel like your natural teeth. Outcomes can last up to 10 years in many cases, as long as the patient takes good care of their oral hygiene. This means brushing and flossing at least twice a day and having dental checkups at least twice a year. Dental checkups along with professional cleanings allow our dental team to thoroughly clean your teeth and remove plaque while giving us a chance to check on the dental bonding and make sure it is still in good condition. If our dentist notices that the bonding is wearing off, he can often correct the issue with a “touch-up” dental bonding treatment. How Much Does Cosmetic Bonding Cost? The price of cosmetic bonding may vary from patient to patient. Contributing factors to the overall cost include the number of teeth being treated, if other procedures are being incorporated, and the location of the treated tooth. At Greenwich Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, we offer payment and financing options to make procedure costs more reasonable. If you are interested in correcting dental concerns with cosmetic bonding, please contact us to learn more or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Tsangaroulis.