What makes up cosmetic bonding?
Dental bonding, also called cosmetic bonding, is made of the same material used for white fillings. Composite resin is a moldable material that starts as a liquid. Dr. Jeffrey Leibowitz, your Astoria cosmetic dentist, can use this material for filling cavities, attaching porcelain veneers, or creating cosmetic enhancements with dental bonding. Once the composite resin is shaped to Dr. Leibowitz’s specifications, he can use a curing light to harden the material.
Is dental bonding a good alternative to porcelain veneers?
Often called a cheaper alternative to veneers, dental bonding covers many of the same smile imperfections as the more expensive cosmetic procedure. Since dental bonding uses composite resin instead of porcelain, the materials are less expensive and require less preparation. Where porcelain veneers would have to be fabricated in a ceramics lab, dental bonding can be shaped directly on top of your tooth. As a result, dental bonding offers even faster smile makeovers than porcelain veneers.
How are veneers different from cosmetic bonding?
Unfortunately, dental bonding will not last as long or look as natural as porcelain veneers. Composite resin does not offer the same semi-translucency as porcelain, which allows veneers to reflect light more naturally. Additionally, bonding is more porous than porcelain veneers. This means dental bonding is more susceptible to tooth stains than veneers and will most likely pick up discoloration faster.
What can dental bonding do for my smile?
Like veneers, cosmetic bonding covers a variety of smile issues at once. Some of the smile imperfections bonding can correct include:
- Tooth chips
- Misshapen teeth
- Jagged tooth edges
- Wide gaps between teeth
- Hairline cracks (craze lines)
- Light discoloration
- Crooked teeth
Astoria Cosmetic Dentist Offers Dental Bonding
If you are interested in improving your smile by correcting misshapen teeth, covering tooth chips, hiding discoloration, and closing smile gaps, contact your Astoria dental office today for a cosmetic consultation. Call cosmetic dentist, Dr. Leibowitz at 718-728-8320 for more information. We proudly serve patients from Astoria, Queens, Manhattan, Brooklyn, and surrounding areas.
