In a general dentistry office, dental bonding is used to repair teeth that have sustained minor chips, cracks, or breaks. Bonding's benefits go beyond the repair of damaged teeth. This method of fixing broken teeth can also be used for other cosmetic purposes, such as closing a gap or changing the color of a tooth. Learn more below about bonding and its benefits in a general dentistry setting.
What are the benefits of dental bonding?
If you have sustained damage that is visible when you smile or if you have a gap between your front teeth, bonding may be a great choice for repair. Dental bonding is the term used when a dentist fixes a small chip or crack in the tooth with a composite resin material. The resin is tooth-colored and it can be formulated to match the exact shade of your natural teeth. The dentist will place the material and shape it to match the surrounding area.
If you have chipped a tooth or sustained a minor break or crack that does not affect the root of the tooth, bonding at a general dentistry practice may be a good solution for repairing this damage while getting you out of the office and back to your day as fast as possible. The following conditions may be considered for bonding:
- Fixing minor damage such as a chipped tooth
- Strengthening a cracked front tooth and the surrounding incisors
- Closing a small gap between two healthy teeth for cosmetic reasons
What should patients expect during bonding appointments in a general dentistry practice?
Patients who have scheduled bonding appointments may not know what to expect if they have never damaged a tooth or experienced this type of dental procedure before. Bonding should not be painful or difficult to undergo. Consider the following tips for success before, during, and after your bonding appointment.
Before
Patients do not have to complete any special preparation steps before the appointment. Be advised that the resin material used for bonding cannot be whitened. You may wish to speak with your dentist if you are not happy with the current color of your natural teeth.
During
Bonding is a relatively quick procedure that should not be uncomfortable. The dentist will place the composite resin, shape the material to match the tooth and surrounding teeth, and dry the resin with ultraviolet light.
After
If you are unhappy with the shape of your bonded tooth or teeth, be sure to notify your dentist. He or she can re-shape the material after it dries. You will be instructed to care for the bonded area by avoiding any sticky, tacky, or extremely hard foods that may damage it.
Conclusion
General dentistry patients who have good oral health and minor damage to teeth, such as small breaks, cracks, or chips, may be excellent candidates for this procedure. Similarly, patients who wish to fix a cosmetic issue can speak to a licensed dentist to discuss whether bonding would be the most appropriate option for their situations.
Request an appointment or call Dragonfly Dental of Port Charlotte at 941-676-9225 for an appointment in our Port Charlotte office.
Related Posts
Dental sealants are used in general dentistry to protect teeth from developing cavities. They form a defensive layer on top of molars and premolars to prevent food and germs at bay. Here is additional information on how the dental industry utilizes sealants to protect patients' teeth.Sealants are slender plastic coatings that dentists paint onto the…
A tooth fracture can occur from many causes, such as accidents, grinding teeth, eating hard foods, and aging. Fractured teeth do not heal themselves, so visiting your general dentistry professional in the event of a cracked, broken, or fractured tooth is always advisable.Cracks in your teeth can manifest in different ways. Some are painful and…
If you have cracked, chipped, worn, or otherwise damaged teeth, chances are they are not beyond hope. Several general dentistry procedures exist to improve the appearance of your smile and strengthen your teeth and improve their function. Your dentist can explore all the options available to you and how each can benefit your smile.In the…