A dentist has many options for treating a chip or a crack. For minor fractures on the teeth, we’re like to use dental bonding at our Lansdale, PA dentistry practice. Yet the extent of the damage determines the right response.
Let’s take a moment to go over some of the problems related to chipped teeth. We’ll then go over the uses of dental bonding to help fix these problems.
Problems Caused by Chipped Teeth
Chipped teeth can lead to a number of cosmetic problems and dental health problems.
In terms of the cosmetic problems, chips and cracks can leave you feeling self-conscious about the appearance of your smile. You might feel reluctant to laugh, speak, or smile, even around people you have known for many years. In addition, these minor imperfections on a tooth could impact your career if you have a profession that involves a lot of public interaction.
As for your dental health, a chip can leave your teeth weakened and more susceptible to further fractures. The risk of tooth sensitivity is much higher as well, triggered when pressure is applied to the tooth or when the chipped tooth is exposed to hot or cold temperatures.
What Is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding is a cosmetic dentistry procedure that involves the application of a tooth-colored resin to a tooth. The resin is painted directly onto a tooth to address cosmetic imperfections, such as chips, cracks, and stains/discoloration.
With dental bonding, a dentist can paint over a problem, restoring a tooth’s appearance and improving a patient’s smile aesthetics in the process.
Ideal Candidates for Dental Bonding
Good candidates for dental bonding are people who suffer from chips, cracks, or other problems affecting the appearance of the teeth. These flaws must be purely aesthetic in nature.
Further, when it comes to chips and cracks, the tooth damage must be cosmetic and not affect the overall structure or strength of a tooth. If a tooth is seriously fractured, a dental restoration will be more ideal for the patient.
The Dental Bonding Procedure
The dental bonding procedure can be performed relatively quickly, and without the need for anesthetic or sedation.
First, the tooth is cleaned. Next, the area around the chip or crack is carefully scuffed by the dentist, which helps the resin stick to the tooth enamel better. The dental resin is then created, mixed during the procedure to match the color of the rest of the tooth. The dentist applies the resin directly onto the chip or crack, building layer upon layer of structure to achieve the desired effect. The resin is then polished to blend in as seamlessly as possible.
The Results of Dental Bonding
The results of a dental bonding procedure can be quite dramatic. Patients will be able to smile confidently around others again. The tooth-colored material is difficult to notice, even when people are up close.
How Durable Is the Dental Bonding Material?
The dental bonding material is quite strong. By building up layers of the dental resin, the overall strength of the material can be enhanced. After a few years, some touch up work can be done to the bonding material as needed to prolong results.
Learn More About Dental Bonding
To learn more about dental bonding and whether or not it’s the right option for you and your needs, be sure to contact an experienced cosmetic and restorative dentist. The team at Leading Dental Solutions looks forward to your visit and discussing these matters in greater detail.