Teeth bonding may be the right solution for your smile if you have a chipped, cracked or discoloured tooth. During this procedure, a dentist will apply a tooth-coloured composite resin to one or more of your teeth to repair damage, aiming to achieve results to enhance your smile.
In most cases, tooth bonding will not require anaesthesia, nor does it require several visits to the dentist. Your dentist will use a shade guide to choose a composite resin colour that closely matches the colour of your natural teeth and will then roughen the surface of the tooth and apply a liquid that allows the bonding agent to stick to the tooth. Next, the dentist will apply the composite resin over the liquid and will mould or shape the tooth, after which they will harden the material using ultraviolet light.
It is possible for a dentist to further shape the tooth after the resin hardens, and this step will only be done if necessary.
When To Consider Teeth Bonding
This procedure can fix a defect or imperfection in a tooth, and patients may choose this treatment to repair a decayed, cracked or discoloured tooth. Teeth bonding can also close small gaps in between teeth and can increase the size of a tooth if you have one that is shorter than the rest and you want all of your teeth to be the same length.
There is no downtime involved with teeth bonding, and the procedure is very fast. If anesthesia is not required, you will be able to continue with your normal daily routine after the procedure. The process usually takes between 30 to 60 minutes, and you must be mindful of the foods you consume afterwards because the composite resin used in this procedure is not as strong as your natural teeth and can ship or separate from your real tooth. Chewing on ice, biting your fingernails or biting down on hard food or candy can all cause a bonded tooth to chip.
How Much Does Teeth Bonding Cost?
This will vary based on the extent of the procedure and your dentist’s expertise. Scheduling a consultation with your dentist is highly recommended because they will discuss the details of this treatment and will consider your insurance plan if one is in place to determine the cost.
How To Prepare:
Special preparation is not required, but your dentist will have to confirm whether or not you are a suitable candidate for this treatment. If you have severe tooth damage or decay, bonding may not work, and you may need a crown or veneer instead.
Proper care will help extend the lifespan of bonded teeth, and you must continue brushing and flossing twice a day and avoid hard food and candy. Avoid coffee and tea for the first two days after your procedure, and don’t forget to schedule regular cleanings every six months.
Conclusion
Are you looking for an inexpensive repair to help correct a discoloured or chipped tooth? Tavistock Family Dentistry can help determine whether this procedure is right for you.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation!
