We are so blessed to have naturally strong teeth. For most of our lives, we will use them to bite, chew, smile, and speak. But what makes them so durable? It is probably because the enamel is a very strong part of the body, one of the strongest.
Despite the strength of the enamel, people have more chipped teeth than before. This is not because they got an unfortunate punch on your face or they had a severe accident. The truth is that more teeth are becoming chipped now because people bite on glass bottles or ice cubes, grind or clench, or even during childbirth.
You can easily chip your tooth if you struggle with bruxism, tooth decay, or have an abnormally high amount of acids that erode your enamel.
Dentists can use tooth bonding to repair the chipped tooth and stop further damage. Know more if they are perfect treatment for you, continue reading.
What is tooth bonding?
Also known as dental bonding, Tooth bonding is a cosmetic dental procedure used for repairing chipped, cracked or broken teeth. It is also a suitable restoration for discoloured and gappy teeth. Even a tooth that is shorter than others can also be corrected with this method.
The bond used for this procedure is the composite resin which is usually placed over the broken or damaged part of the tooth to cover up the issue.
Compared to fillings and crowns, the composites resin is available in different shades, and the one that will be used for you will be similar to your natural shade.
Why do people choose tooth bonding for fixing a chipped tooth?
Indeed, many people are concerned about their smiles and having cracks or chips can affect them. Chipped or cracked teeth can also affect a person’s natural ability to chew and even impact the health of the surrounding teeth.
What condition does dental bonding best treat?
Dentists mostly use tooth bonding to treat teeth that have minor injuries. It is not suitable for a severely decayed tooth.
If your tooth has been severely damaged or completely lost, having dental implants may be more effective for you than bonding. Dental implants replace the lost tooth root and give room for a porcelain crown to be placed on it to replace the tooth.
Also, bonding is more suitable for people that are comfortable with the natural colour of their teeth. So, if whitening your teeth has always been your dream, you talk to your dentist about it before bonding. For tooth bonding, your dentist will choose composite resin which matching colours for your tooth. So, if you whiten your teeth later after the treatment, only your natural teeth will be whitened by the whitener. The colour of your bonding will remain the same and stand out from the rest.
What to expect from a tooth bonding
Dental bonding is a simple procedure that may not require an anaesthetic, except a dentist needs to fill a cavity in the tooth or significantly alter its shape. You may also be placed on an anaesthetic if the tooth chipped close to a nerve where it will be more painful to treat.
The first step for getting the treatment is choosing a compatible resin colour. Dentists have a chart to help them make the best choice.
After this, they will prepare your teeth to bond the resin. This involves scraping the surface of your teeth before applying the bonding agent. When the surface of your tooth is Rough, it’ll be easier for the adhering liquid to stay and composite to stick.
When this is done, your dentist will apply the composite resin to the tooth and shape it as desired. Then, they will then harden the bond with a UV light.
If you’re not comfortable with the tooth’s shape, your dentist will shape it again after the resin is dry.
The risks involved in tooth bonding
Tooth bonding is a safe procedure with no adverse effects.
However, you need to watch out not to grind your tooth as it can damage the resin. Still, composite resins do not chip or break as frequently as veneers and crowns.
Caring for your bonded tooth
The natural tooth and enamel are the strongest, and composite resins do not measure up to their strength. So, even after repairing your tooth, you need to care for it appropriately.
Do not chew on hard surfaces like pens or ice cubes. Candies and hard food should also be avoided as they can damage your bond. This is not so much to do, as they are not even healthy for your natural teeth. So, it is best to avoid them to prevent chipping or breaking the teeth.
You should also know that composite resins are not stain-resistant, so they can become discoloured in the long term, especially if you smoke or drink red wine, tea, or coffee.
Prosthetic restorations cannot be whitened. So, when stained, you may need to go around with the discolouration or replace it with a new one.
Whitening gels do not affect composite resins. So, you can whiten your teeth after bonding. However, there will be a difference between your natural teeth and the bond since the bond won’t change.
If need be, your dentist can place very thin bonds on your front teeth. However, this depends on the manufacturer of your composite resin.
Finally, it can be unpredictable to whiten your teeth after placing your bonding. So, to be on the safe side, whiten your teeth before placing the bonds.
Are you ready for the best smile?
Though our natural teeth are robust, they are destructible. Tooth bonding is a good solution for repairing chips, cracks and gaps between teeth. It is long-lasting, easy and painless to fix. The bonding procedure can be finished within one appointment.
Cosmetic dental bonding treatment is best used by people with healthy teeth and minor damage or trauma. You should only go for it if you are happy with the natural colour of your teeth before the bond. If you need teeth whitening, discuss it with your dentist before getting the bonds.