Do you have a chipped tooth? If you have an issue with the esthetics of your smile you may benefit from cosmetic dentistry. A cosmetic treatment can restore lost structure or reshape the tooth. We offer two procedures to improve tooth appearance, dental bonding and porcelain veneers. Which option offers the best cosmetic restoration for your smile?
Cosmetic Bonding
Bonding allows our office to rebuild lost tooth structure and correct cosmetic imperfections in a single visit. First, we remove any decay and clean the tooth. We may also gently etch the surface to allow the bonding material to better adhere to the tooth surface. We then apply several layers of composite resin, the same material we use for our metal-free fillings. As we cure the tooth with a light we sculpt it. Finally, the tooth will be polished for a more lifelike appearance. We may use the procedure to address:
- Chips or breaks
- Teeth stains
- Misshapen or malformed teeth
- Gaps between teeth
Porcelain Veneers
Veneers can completely change how a tooth looks with one procedure. The entire process takes about two visits. The first visit involves preparing the tooth. We remove a small layer of surface enamel and take impressions. The impressions are sent to the dental lab where the restorations are fabricated. During the second visit we place the completed restoration and make any necessary alterations. Veneers are long lasting and made from strong, stain-resistant porcelain. We may use the restoration to:
- Repair chipped or broken teeth
- Mask teeth stains
- Mask the appearance of minor alignment issues
- Close gaps between teeth
- Lengthen worn down teeth
- Reshape malformed or damaged teeth
Which Treatment Best Improves Smile Beauty?
Veneers can offer a more lifelike restoration, but dental bonding is more cost-effective. In many cases we may suggest bonding for minor chips or for restoring teeth in the rear of the mouth. Veneers are often preferred for improving the front teeth. We will help you decide which will work best for your smile.
ABOUT YOUR ASTORIA COSMETIC DENTIST
Our Astoria, NY dentist office accepts most major insurance plans. To find out if we accept yours, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jeffrey Leibowitz, contact us at (718) 728-8320. We welcome patients living in and around Queens, Astoria, NYC, upstate New York, and New Jersey.
