Teeth are generally very strong and sturdy. Paradoxically, they are also easy to chip. A minor stumble on a sidewalk or a well-aimed lip of a coffee mug can cause bits of your front teeth to chip off.
Fortunately, you don’t have to worry too much about what your smile will look like without a portion of your front teeth. It is relatively easy to repair a cracked or chipped tooth through dental bonding.
What Is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding is one of the simplest cosmetic dental procedures offered by dentists worldwide. You only need to come in for one appointment, and it usually requires no anesthesia or numbing at all. Aside from repairing chipped or cracked teeth, dental bonding can also help cover teeth stains and safeguard teeth from further decay.
In a tooth bonding procedure, a composite resin is created and bonded to take the place of your broken tooth, making it look as good as new. When you come in for a bonding appointment, your dentist will use a shade guide to help him or her choose a resin color that closely matches your natural teeth.
Resin bonds more easily to rough surfaces, so your dentist will scratch at the bonding site to create edges before applying the bonding agent. The resin is then added on top of the bonding agent and molded to the right shape.
The final step of dental bonding is sealing and hardening the resin with UV light. This only takes a few seconds and will not cause harm in any way.
Who Are Good Candidates For Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding procedures rarely last more than an hour. There is no recovery period needed after an appointment.
Dental bonding is great for anyone who has decayed, cracked, or discolored teeth. Composite resin can also be used to correct slight gaps between your teeth.
If you want to correct your teeth’s appearance or you want to repair damage, consult with your dentist. He or she will know what type of cosmetic treatment will be best for your teeth’s current condition. If your tooth is severely damaged, dental bonding may not be the best option for you.
How To Take Care Of Bonded Teeth
No other material is as strong as your natural teeth, and this includes the composite resin used for dental bonding. The resin can still chip or separate from your tooth if you have a habit of chewing on ice cubes, candy, or other hard foods. The good news is that resin is stronger than porcelain crowns, veneers, and tooth fillings, so breakage does not occur as often.
Resin resists stains about as well as your natural teeth. If you are an avid coffee or red wine drinker, you will likely experience discoloration on your teeth, natural and bonded alike. Composite resin cannot be whitened, so you will need to get it replaced if it gets stained.
The best way to take care of bonded teeth is to make sure that all your teeth are healthy. Brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss daily, and go in for dental cleanings at least twice a year. If you break the resin or if the bonded tooth feels sharp or weird in any way, go back to your dentist.
Conclusion
Dental bonding is a simple cosmetic dental procedure that can correct and repair broken, chipped, decayed, and otherwise damaged teeth. It’s a painless, outpatient procedure that takes less than an hour. A cosmetic dentist will tell you if you are a candidate for dental bonding. You’ll have a picture-perfect smile in no time!
Are you looking for a cosmetic dentist near you in Chattanooga? Shallowford Family Dental Group has been proudly serving the area since 1940. Today, our four experienced dentists have given thousands of patients the best care possible in our state-of-the-art facility. Book an appointment today!