The teeth can last a lifetime. However, there will always be instances wherein the teeth can be damaged. Having chipped, cracked, gapped teeth, and other dental issues that significantly affect the tooth’s appearance can influence a person’s self-esteem as well. For these problems, dental bonding can serve as one of the solutions for restoration.
Dental bonding is a procedure wherein a dental material is applied and hardened by a special light to repair a decayed, chipped, or fractured tooth. Unlike veneers which need to be manufactured in a laboratory to fit it properly, dental bonding can be done in just a single visit. Let us at Chester Road Family Dental share some pieces of information about dental bonding for our patients who are interested in giving the procedure a go.
What conditions can take advantage of dental bonding?
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Excessive teeth gaps
- Teeth that appear short
- Decayed teeth
- Discoloration
- Misshapen teeth
- Exposed tooth root due to gum recession
- An alternative option to amalgam fillings
What are the processes involved?
Preparation
Little to no preparation is required for a dental bonding procedure. Even anesthesia is often no longer necessary unless the treatment is for a decayed tooth to avoid any discomfort. To make sure that the natural-look is achieved, the dentist will use a shade guide to select the closest match of the teeth’s original color.
Bonding
After selecting the closest shade, the tooth’s surface will be roughened, and a conditioning liquid is applied to help the bonding material adhere. The putty-like resin will then be applied, molded, smoothened to the desired shape of the tooth. To hasten the hardening, a special type of light will be used. After the material hardens, the dentist will then trim, shape, and polish the tooth to perfectly match it with its surrounding structures.
The procedure usually takes about thirty minutes to one hour per tooth.
Does it require special attention?
The bonded teeth usually do not require any special care. However, practicing regular oral hygiene by brushing the teeth twice a day, and flossing is still a must. Rinsing the mouth with an antiseptic mouthwash once or twice a day is also recommended. Scheduling regular dental checkups and cleanings should not be skipped or ignored.
Since the bonding material can chip, it is crucial to avoid bad habits such as nail-biting, chewing on pens, ice, and other hard inedible objects. Contact the dentist immediately if you notice any sharp edges on the bonded tooth or if it feels strange when you bite down.
Let us help you improve the appearance and form of your teeth! Book your appointment with us at Chester Road Family Dental for your Dental Bonding in Chester, VA. We are located at 11701 Chester Rd., Chester, VA 23831.