At Park View Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in NYC, we are committed to helping our patients achieve healthy and confident smiles. When faced with problems including chipped or misshapen teeth or large spaces between teeth, our pediatric dentists may recommend a cosmetic dental bonding procedure, also called teeth bonding. Learn more below, or schedule an appointment today!
What is dental bonding?
Dental bonding is a special filling that can restore, reshape, and rejuvenate teeth, improving both the function and appearance of our patient’s smiles. The dental bonding material is a composite resin or modifiable ceramic that hardens and fuses to the tooth when our dentists shine a special light on it. Dental bonding is often recommended for the correction of minor cosmetic issues such as chipping, cracks, discoloration, or gaps in between the teeth.
Dental Bonding Patient Testimonial
"My 1.5 year old came in to get crowns on her chipped two front teeth. The staff there was incredible! So professional, kind, and truly knew what they were doing. We had the absolute best experience & wish we lived closer to continue seeing them! Highly recommend! Attached is my daughters before & after!"
When is dental bonding used?
Our pediatric dentists may use bonding to correct the following:
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Broken or misshapen teeth
- Spaces between teeth
- Stained teeth
How Long Does the Dental Bonding Procedure Take?
The time it takes to perform dental bonding depends on the number of teeth that need to be bonded and the degree of bonding as well. However, most dental bonding procedures take between one and two hours to complete.
What Dental Conditions Can Bonding Correct?
Dental bonding can correct a variety of dental problems, including:
- Chipped teeth.
- Fractured teeth.
- Gaps between teeth.
It is important to note that dental bonding may not be the right choice for teeth that are severely misaligned or crooked. In these specific situations, orthodontic correction may be recommended, depending on the age of the patient.
How Long Does Dental Bonding Last?
With proper oral hygiene and follow-up care, dental bonding can last up to 10 years. The bonded teeth look and function just like your child’s natural teeth. And when dental bonding is performed by an experienced pediatric dentist, no one will ever know that they had dental work done. All they will see is how beautiful their smiles are!
How Do You Take Care of Dental Bonding?
Proper oral hygiene is a must, especially with dental bonding. You or your child should brush no less than twice a day, floss regularly, and return for regular dental exams and cleanings as instructed by your dentist. It is also a good idea to avoid biting or eating food that can break the dental bonding. In addition to hard snacks, like pretzels, chewing ice also needs to be avoided. Also, just like natural teeth, dental bonding may become discolored or stained by certain types of food or beverages.
If you need to schedule a visit for your child or want to learn more about pediatric tooth bonding, call our office at 212.879.6518 or request an appointment at Park View Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics by filling out the form on this page.
Check out our Smile Gallery to see patients who have undergone bonding treatment at our NYC pediatric dentist's office!
What does getting dental bonding involve?
Dental bonding is performed in the office. It involves our pediatric dentists applying a thin layer of bonding material to the affected tooth, which is then sculpted like clay and shaped to correct the cosmetic concern. Using a special light, our dentists will harden the material and securely fuse it with the existing tooth. Next, the bonding will be polished until it’s smooth.
A teeth bonding procedure typically takes one to two hours to perform, and results last about ten years. Bonded teeth look and function just like natural teeth. The dental bonding material can be colored as well as molded so our dentists are able to match the shade of existing teeth. When bonding is performed by an experienced dentist, people will not be able to tell that you’ve had cosmetic work done on your teeth – other than seeing how good your smile looks!
Are There Any Risks with Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding is a safe and effective procedure, so it should not cause any risks to your child’s oral health. However, if your child has severe dental problems such as extensive tooth decay, gum disease, or painful cavities, we recommend treating these procedures first before pursuing dental bonding. Ensuring your oral health is in perfect condition before receiving dental bonding treatment will benefit the appearance of your teeth in the long run.
Will I Have to Change My Child’s Oral Routine for Dental Bonding?
Flossing once daily and brushing twice daily is the ideal oral routine for healthy teeth and gums. If this is your child’s current oral routine, it should not have to change once they receive dental bonding. However, after their dental bonding treatment, they should commit to maintaining their oral routine to avoid complications with their oral health.
What Should My Child Do After Receiving Dental Bonding?
While your child may not need to make changes to their oral routine after receiving dental bonding, there are certain actions you can help take to preserve the appearance of their newly improved teeth after treatment. These actions can include
Avoiding foods and drinks that stain.Â
Avoid foods and drinks that may stain your teeth, such as coffee, cola, tomato sauce, and berries for at least a week after your dental bonding procedure. During the first week after treatment, the bonding will be increasingly susceptible to staining, so avoiding these foods and beverages will maintain their cosmetic appearance.
Visiting your dentist regularly.
Routine dental checkups to maintain optimal oral health are recommended every six months for children and adults. Ensuring your child is attending their scheduled dental check-ups can help keep their oral health in good condition and monitor any dental issues.
How Can I Help Ease My Child’s Dental Anxiety?
At Park View Pediatric Dentistry, our dedicated staff and experienced dentists are well-versed in providing high-quality, personalized care, especially for children. However, despite our friendly in-office environment, some children may still feel an extreme amount of anxiety when coming in for their dental treatments. Whether they need dental bonding or a simple tooth cleaning, visiting the dentist can often feel scary to children. To help ease your child’s dental anxiety, you can do the following:
- Participate in their daily oral routine with them. Brush and floss your teeth together to help them feel comfortable about maintaining their oral health.
- Ensure that their dentist is one they feel comfortable with.
- Accompany your child to each dental appointment, rather than dropping them off and leaving them alone at the dentist.
- Speak with your child about the importance of dental hygiene, including the dental issues they may experience if their oral health is not intact.
- Role-play: going to the dentist with your child, making them comfortable with the process of receiving dental treatment.
What Can My Child Expect from My Dental Consultation?
Your child’s dental consultation is the perfect place for them to get to know their dentist for the first time. You can use your child’s consultation as a time to encourage them to ask questions about the procedure they are having. Your dentist may also discuss the following topics:
- Your child’s oral routine
- Your child’s dental history
- Your dental history
- An oral examination
- A jaw examination
- Dental X-rays
- How comfortable your child is at the dentist
Schedule a Consultation at Park View Pediatric Dentistry
If you need to schedule a visit for your child or want to learn more about pediatric tooth bonding, call our office at 212.879.6518 or request an appointment at Park View Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics by filling out the form on this page.