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If you have a chipped, cracked, decayed or discolored tooth there are many solutions to choose from. Tooth bonding might be the perfect option for you to get back your confidence and flash your winning smile!
Tooth bonding is the application of composite resin to the surface of the tooth to repair it. It’s a simple, inexpensive cosmetic dental procedure that is usually completed in a single visit.
Tooth bonding is one of the easiest and least expensive cosmetic dental procedures. There are lots of dental issues that bonding can correct. However, tooth bonding is most often used to correct chipped or discolored teeth. Bonding can also be used to close the large spaces between teeth, change the shape of teeth or make teeth appear longer. In some cases, bonding is used in place of amalgam or metallic fillings to protect the exposed root of a tooth with receded gums.
First, your dentist will use a shade guide to select a shade of resin that will match the natural color of the tooth most closely. Before attaching the bonding, the surface of the tooth is roughened and lightly coated with a conditioning liquid so that the bonding material will stick to the surface more easily. Once the tooth is prepared, your dentist will apply the putty-like resin to the tooth and mold it until it is in the proper shape. Then the material is hardened using an ultraviolet light or laser. After the resin is set, your dentist will complete any finishing touches, such as additional shaping and polishing of the bonding to match the rest of your teeth.
It usually takes between 30 minutes to an hour to complete the bonding procedure. However, if you are having multiple teeth done, it could take several visits to complete. Because most tooth bonding procedures do not require anesthesia, you can return to normal daily activity immediately after your appointment.
The downside to tooth bonding is that the composite resin isn’t nearly as strong as a natural tooth, so it’s more likely that it can chip or break off completely. If you’re about to go in for a tooth bonding procedure, it might be time to kick habits, such as biting your fingernails or chewing on ice or pens, as these things can chip the resin.
How long bonding lasts depends on how much bonding you have done and your oral habits, so it’s important to give bonded teeth the same amount of care and attention as your natural teeth. Bonding material is prone to staining, so watch how often you consume substances that can stain, such as tea, coffee, cigarette smoke and wine. It’s especially important to avoid consuming staining foods for the first 48 hours after any composite procedure.
In the days after having the bonding placed, call your dentist if you notice sharp edges on the bonded teeth, or your teeth feel unusual when you bite down. Always call your dentist if the bonding chips or pieces fall off completely.
Tooth bonding is a simple and inexpensive way to repair chipped or discolored teeth and give you back the confidence you need to flash your pearly whites. Talk to your dentist to determine if tooth bonding is the right solution for you.
