Dental Bonding and Other Treatments From a Cosmetic Dentist

What is a cosmetic dentist? According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), cosmetic dentistry is dentistry aimed at creating a positive change to your teeth and to your smile...(a)esthetic dentistry must complement the overall general and oral health of the patient."

This article will cover the most popular procedures performed by cosmetic dentists, as well as the issues that can be fixed by bonding.

Popular cosmetic dentistry procedures

A cosmetic dentist usually performs one or more of the following procedures:

Composite bonding

Bonding is a procedure in cosmetic dentistry that can help fix your teeth's damaged enamel. Enamel can be damaged in a number of ways, including by cracks, chips or gum disease. Composite bonding involves the application of a putty-like resin to the damaged teeth. The cosmetic dentist chooses the correct shade of resin and then shapes to match the tooth's natural appearance.

Dental veneers

Dental veneers are a medical-grade ceramic that is made for your individual teeth — this means they will not cause inflammation or allow bacteria to grow. A cosmetic dentist can make them look realistic and they are used for crooked teeth, cracked teeth or even damaged enamel.

Implants

A cosmetic dentist will use dental implants to replace lost teeth. An implant is typically used instead of a denture because dentures can cause damage to the upper and lower jaw bones. When an implant is placed, it is almost indistinguishable from a normal tooth.

Inlays

An inlay (also known as an onlay) is a type of "indirect filling." They are a sort of middle-ground between a filling and an implant.

Teeth whitening

This is usually the procedure that most people think of when they think of a cosmetic dentist. Teeth whitening is usually done with a peroxide bleach solution and sometimes the help of a UV light.

Dental issues that can be fixed by bonding

So when might you need bonding? Bonding is common for the following dental issues:

To alter or change the shape of a tooth

You may need this sort of procedure after trauma or damage to the tooth. If the tooth is cracked or chipped, then the shape will need to be adjusted to look natural.

To change the color of teeth

This is another method that your cosmetic dentist can use to whiten your teeth. Bonding comes in a variety of resin colors and a lighter resin can whiten the appearance of your teeth.

To lengthen a tooth that is too short

Similarly to changing or altering the shape of your tooth, if you have experienced trauma that shortens your teeth, bonding can help.

To repair cavities or tooth decay

For this procedure, your cosmetic dentist would drill the cavity and reseal it with bonding.

To remove gaps between teeth

Bonding can be used to extend the edges of the insides of teeth in order to close a visible gap.

To protect an exposed tooth root

It is common in certain types of gum disease for the root of a tooth to become exposed. When this happens, you can experience increased sensitivity. A dental bond can help repair this issue.

The bottom line

A cosmetic dentist has many procedures available to help resolve any issues you may have with your teeth, including bonding. Talk to one of our dental health professionals today.

Request an appointment here: https://metrosmiles.com or call Metro Smiles Dental at (718) 841-9591 for an appointment in our Forest Hills office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Cosmetic Dentist.

Recent Posts

3 Things Your Dentist Wants You To Know About Dental Restorations

Dental restorations have been used for thousands of years. In fact, a 2012 article published by The New York Times details the discovery of a 6,500-year-old human jawbone. Considered the earliest evidence of dental fillings, it had beeswax in one tooth, which researchers believe was to ease the pain of a crack. These days, restorations…

Should You Tell Your Dentist If You Have Dental Anxiety

Dental anxiety affects millions of people in the U.S. This anxiety can often prevent patients from getting treatments that can keep oral diseases like tooth decay and gum disease away or prevents them from getting worse. Dental phobias can be the result of previous bad experiences with dentists, or they can be caused by a…

How Dentists Use Dental Crowns In Dental Restorations

Crowns are commonly used in dental restorations. A crown is a cap shaped like a tooth but hollow in the middle. It fits over a natural tooth that has to be prepared first. Depending on the issue it is correcting, a crown can be used by itself or as a component of another restoration technique.Teeth…

Which Dental Restorations Are Recommended For Damaged Teeth?

Dental restorations are used to repair or strengthen damaged teeth and to replace missing teeth. The damage may be the result of routine decay, extensive decay, fractures, weak gums, and many other dental issues. Dentists recommend restorations based on the tooth, its location, the source of trouble, the health of surrounding teeth, tooth color, patient…

Recent Posts

Things Your Dentist Wants You To Know About Dental Restorations

3 Things Your Dentist Wants You To Know About Dental Restorations

Dental restorations have been used for thousands of years. In fact, a 2012 article published by The New York Times details the discovery of a 6,500-year-old human jawbone. Considered the earliest evidence of dental fillings, it had beeswax in one tooth, which researchers believe was to ease the pain of a crack. These days, restorations…

Should You Tell Your Dentist If You Have Dental Anxiety

Should You Tell Your Dentist If You Have Dental Anxiety

Dental anxiety affects millions of people in the U.S. This anxiety can often prevent patients from getting treatments that can keep oral diseases like tooth decay and gum disease away or prevents them from getting worse. Dental phobias can be the result of previous bad experiences with dentists, or they can be caused by a…