Chipped teeth, discoloration, or gaps can leave you feeling less confident. At Gentle Dental Care, Dr. Brad Strober, Dr. Cynthia Butcofski, and Dr. Rebecca Kucharsky Hiess offer modern services like dental bonding to restore your teeth.
Serving Edison, Metuchen, and South Plainfield, NJ, our dentists are here to give you a beautiful smile you'll be proud to show off.
What Is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding, sometimes called composite bonding, is one of the easiest procedures (and the least invasive). Tooth bonding is a restorative procedure where your dentist applies a resin material to your tooth and secures it with a special light that permanently bonds the resin material.
The resin is very similar to your tooth composition and restores the tooth to its original appearance. It can sometimes even make your tooth look even better than before!
Bonding is usually the preferred solution for patients because it can be applied and finished with just one visit, and there’s no need to remove the tooth or grind it down, as required for treatments like porcelain veneers or crowns. Plus, you won't have to wait extra time for your tooth restoration since we won't need to send anything to a dental laboratory.
Dental Bonding Benefits
Dental bonding is a favorite among patients in Edison for many reasons, including:
- Minimally Invasive: Bonding preserves your natural tooth structure, requiring little to no alteration compared to other procedures.
- Natural Appearance: The resin is carefully shaped and color-matched to blend seamlessly with your teeth, giving a lifelike result.
- Quick and Convenient: This simple procedure is completed in just one visit, with no need for follow-ups or temporary restorations.
- Immediate Results: Enjoy the transformation of your smile right away without waiting for lab work or additional appointments.
Dental Bonding Before & After
Who Is a Good Candidate for Dental Bonding?
No one has perfect teeth. We may have a small chip here or a gap there. A couple of teeth could have deep staining from a reaction to tetracycline as a kid. Could you benefit from some bonding at our Edison offices? It's an excellent choice for:
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Stains or discoloration
- Small gaps between teeth
- Misshapen teeth
While bonding works well for masking imperfections, it’s not meant to fix structural or health issues like decay or gum disease. In some cases, crowns or porcelain veneers may be better for more serious concerns. Dr. Strober, Dr. Kucharsky Hiess, or Dr. Butcofski will discuss your options with you.
Dental Bonding Procedure
This procedure does not require as much preparation as other restorative procedures like crowns or veneers. This procedure will last for about 30-60 minutes. Here's what to expect:
- The dentist will first pick a resin color that best matches your tooth color.
- Once this is done, the dentist will prepare the tooth for bonding by roughening up the tooth surface and will then apply a conditioning liquid.
- The resin is placed on the tooth and molded to blend into the tooth structure.
- A laser or ultraviolet light is then applied to harden the resin, after which the dentist will polish the dental bond to attain the appearance of a natural tooth surface.
How Many Sessions Does Dental Bonding Require?
One reason our patients from Edison and the surrounding areas love bonding for simple cosmetic improvements is that it can be done in a single appointment.
Let’s say you just chipped the corner of a tooth when biting into an unforeseen item in a sandwich. You can make an appointment, and one of our three Gentle Dental dentists can make the tooth whole again in just a single appointment that takes just 30-60 minutes. How easy is that?
Why Should I Consider Getting Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding is usually recommended to repair decayed, scratched, chipped, or even cracked teeth. For those who are having a problem with their gums receding, dental bonding can be used to protect the exposed tooth root. This can also be a solution for improving the appearance of badly discolored teeth.
Some dentists also use dental bonding as a substitute for amalgam fillings. Dentists also recommend this procedure to those who have a problem with gaps in between their teeth or someone who wants to change the contour of their teeth to improve their appearance. Some dentists also use dental bonding as a substitute for amalgam fillings.
What Is the Difference Between Dental Bonding and Placing Porcelain Veneers?
While both dental bonding and the application of porcelain veneers have the same end goal — to cover cosmetic imperfections and create a perfect smile — they do it in different ways.
Bonding uses a composite resin that is sculpted on the teeth, cured, and then polished. To prepare the teeth for bonding, your Gentle Dental dentist will slightly rough up the enamel for better adherence to the resin.
Veneers are thin porcelain shells that are cemented onto the fronts of the teeth. To make room for the veneers, we’ll shave off approximately 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm of the tooth enamel. By removing this enamel, these teeth will always have to be covered with veneers (or a crown) in the future.
In use, porcelain veneers do not stain and are quite durable. The resin used in bonding is more resistant to staining than natural tooth enamel, but it can stain over time. Veneers last longer but are more expensive than bonding. Also, bonding is usually done in a single appointment, while veneers require two appointments.
Why Choose Gentle Dental Care?
At Gentle Dental Care, you’ll receive care from our team of professionals who bring a wealth of experience to their work:
- Dr. Brad Strober, with his background in published research and leadership in dental education
- Dr. Cynthia Butcofski, with over 15 years of experience serving the Edison community
- Dr. Rebecca Kucharsky Hiess, a top graduate recognized for excellence in clinical periodontics
Serving Edison, Metuchen, and South Plainfield, NJ, our practice values patient relationships, clear communication, and modern approaches to care. Whether you need general dentistry or cosmetic treatments, Gentle Dental Care provides expert dental care in our welcoming office.
See What Our Patients Are Saying!
“Dear Dr. Strober– I just wanted to thank you for all your hard work and kindness in taking care of my teeth. My new bonding looks great- I love it- so sincere thanks! Also- you have the most wonderful staff. I don’t know how you managed to surround yourself with so many great people- but well done! See you next cleaning.” – Melissa A. 10-28-04
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Bonding Be Used to Address All Issues With My Teeth?
No. These are purely cosmetic treatments for your teeth. Bonding simply covers up imperfections with your teeth. Bonding is great for covering stains, chips, small cracks, and even small gaps – but these are just aesthetics. Your teeth must be inherently healthy before we can place any bonding resin on them.
If you have dental problems such as tooth decay, a deep crack, gum disease, and other issues, those need to be addressed first before you can have dental bonding.
How Do I Care for My Teeth That Have Had Bonding?
Teeth that have been bonded with composite resin don’t need any special care. Simply follow your typical good home hygiene practices of brushing for two minutes twice a day and flossing once a day. And be sure to keep your twice-yearly professional exams and cleanings with the team at Gentle Dental.
Is Dental Bonding Permanent? If Not, How Long Will It Last?
Dental bonding is not a permanent treatment. How long your bonding treatment lasts depends in part on you. If you practice good hygiene and don’t chew ice and the like, your bonded teeth will continue to look great for up to a decade.
Over time, the resin in bonding can chip. This is especially true if you place pressure on those teeth by doing things such as biting your fingernails. At some point, you’ll need to have your bonded tooth or teeth touched up.
Are There Risks to a Dental Bonding Procedure?
The resin used in dental bonding procedures is not as durable as the other restorative procedures, and the bond can chip and break.
Is Dental Bonding Painful?
There is no pain whatsoever with dental bonding.
Is Dental Bonding Suitable for Children or Teenagers?
Yes, dental bonding can be a good option for children or teenagers, especially for minor cosmetic issues like chips, small gaps, or discoloration. However, as their teeth and jaws are still developing, the dentist may recommend waiting for certain procedures or going with a treatment that can be easily adjusted over time.
How Durable Is Dental Bonding Compared to Natural Teeth?
Dental bonding is durable but not as strong as natural teeth or materials like porcelain veneers. With proper care, bonding can last up to 10 years. However, it is more prone to chipping or staining, especially if subjected to habits like chewing on hard objects or consuming staining foods.
Are There Foods or Drinks to Avoid After Getting Dental Bonding?
While bonded teeth do not require strict dietary restrictions, avoiding hard foods (like ice or hard candies) and staining substances (like coffee, tea, and red wine) can help maintain the integrity and appearance of the bonding material.
Can Dental Bonding Be Removed or Replaced With Another Treatment Later?
Yes, dental bonding can be removed or replaced with alternative treatments such as veneers or crowns. Your dentist can safely remove the bonding material without damaging the underlying tooth, allowing for future modifications if needed.
Schedule Your Dental Bonding Consultation Today!
Want to read more on dental bonding and our other offered services? Visit Gentle Dental Care’s blog! Contact us by calling 732.549.5660 or by submitting the email contact form below to schedule your appointment. Our practice serves Edison, Piscataway Township, New Brunswick, Metuchen, or Woodbridge Township, NJ.
