When you have a broken, chipped, or stained tooth, then worry no more! There is a procedure that will help you make your broken, chipped or stained tooth look like a new tooth again. It’s called dental bonding, and many people with problems such as yours now have the most amazing smiles after they had it done. Dental bonding is a cosmetic dentistry procedure wherein a composite material which, is tooth-colored, is applied to the damaged tooth, which is then formed into the proper shape, hardened, and lastly, polished. It is called dental bonding because the materials used are bonded to the tooth. It is excellent for small cosmetic dentistry work, like fixing chipped or broken tooth, or stained tooth since the material used is tooth-colored, and thus less obvious than silver fillings.
What Does Dental Bonding Involve?
First, phosphoric acid will be gently applied to the surface of the damaged tooth, which will eventually roughen the surface to assist the bonding material to stay in the right place. After applying phosphoric acid, the bonding material will then be applied on the damaged tooth surface, formed into the proper shape. The bonding material will then be hardened and set with the use of a special light. Lastly, the composite material is polished for a smooth finish.
Pros and Cons
Just like all of the procedures and methods, Dental bonding also has its advantages and disadvantages. For one, let’s talk about the costs. Compared to other dental procedure that does the same thing, it is relatively less expensive. Also, the procedure is quite speedy. It only requires one session. The entire procedure per tooth can be done in only 30 to 60 minutes. The quick turnaround completion can be had with great ease. Compared to crowns and veneers, dental bonding is less painful, since it doesn’t focus much on enamel removal. The procedure doesn’t even require anaesthesia, except if the procedure’s goal is to fill a decayed tooth.
On the other hand, there are downsides that you must know ahead. For one, the bonding material can become stained. Unlike the expensive crowns and veneers, dental bonding material is prone to discoloration over time. Some of the causes of dental material discoloration are cigarette smoke, coffee, red wine and tea; so it is advised to avoid them for 24 to 48 hours after the procedure. Understandably, materials used in dental bonding aren’t as durable and long-lasting compared to the expensive crown and veneer procedures. The dental material can easily break if not taken care of properly.
When Dental Bonding is a Good Choice
If a dental problem such as broken or chipped tooth, gap between your teeth or stained tooth is just a small issue to you, then dental bonding may be the right choice. Dental bonding can also be performed to reshape or recontour teeth, and can be used as white filling for small cavities. However, if you have large cavities and want to have white set of teeth, then the veneers and bleaching procedure must be done.
Maintenance of Dental Bonding
Since dental bonding material is prone to braking or staining compared to crown on veneer procedures, it is very important to take good care of the tooth or teeth after the procedure. One must follow the dentists’ tips that would help keep the teeth and overall oral health condition in good state. For one, avoid or minimize intake of coffee, tea, or red wine because it can cause discoloration of the dental material used. Smokers should quit as well because smoking can also cause discoloration and can cause gum diseases, and even oral cancer. Avoid biting nails and chewing hard objects or food to avoid breakage of dental bonding material. Most importantly, call or visit your dentist when you notice something unusual when you eat, or when biting.
Call your South Tampa Dentist, Marnie Bauer DMD, for all of your dental needs – 813.839.2273
