Injuries happen, even to our teeth. Not all of these accidents require emergency procedures and instant repairs, so there’s no need to panic.
However, chips and cracks do need to eventually be attended to. If left untreated, these breaks can expose the sensitive inner parts of the tooth to bacteria and outside particles, which in turn can ultimately result in root canals or tooth loss.
Many don’t seek this treatment, because the size of the injury just doesn’t seem to warrant a major procedure. Fortunately, there is a middle ground between leaving an injury as-is, and completely renovating the tooth with a crown or veneer. That middle ground is the domain of dental bonding. This method of repair allows us to fix chips and minor cracks with minimal invasiveness.
How Does Bonding Work?
Dental bonding involves the use of a resin polymer, and works almost like a reverse cavity filling. Whereas a filling patches a hole inside the tooth, a bonding agent can build up missing bits of the outside. Large chips in the teeth are completely restored to full function and appearance.
When performing a dental bonding procedure, the dentist will first prepare the natural tooth to receive the resin, in order to increase permanence and stability. Once the tooth is ready, the resin is placed onto the tooth, and shaped into the rough, un-finished form.
This resin must now dry and begin to harden. This is often done with an ultra-violet laser light.
After the resin has set, your dental professional will now be able to do the final trimming and shaping into the finished form. Once trimmed, the bonding resin is polished to perfectly match the rest of your teeth, making the final product completely indistinguishable.
What Are The Advantages of Bonding?
Bonding can:
- Repair damaged or broken teeth.
- Close small gaps.
- Last for years, with basic maintenance.
- Be molded and color matched to the rest of the mouth.
- Give you very natural-looking results.
- Be altered and adjusted as time goes on.
Call Now
If you need any dental repairs, but have hesitated to get work done, dental bonding may be the answer you’re looking for. Hesitate no longer, and give us a call.