Restorative Dental Treatments

Some dental problems that may require dental bonding may not appear to be significant at first, but they can become serious if left untreated. If you have a chipped tooth, it may not severely impact the appearance of your smile or bite functionality. However, if the tooth is not restored with a procedure like dental bonding as quickly as possible, chips in your teeth may develop into a larger, more dangerous crack, fracture, or break. For many patients, tooth bonding can rapidly and successfully repair a chipped tooth while preserving your tooth’s natural appearance.

What is dental bonding?

Tooth-coloured composite resin is composed of a blend of finely ground acrylic and quartz-like particles that are biocompatible. What makes this resin particularly attractive is its ability to be customized in terms of colour and tone to match the unique shades of individual teeth. Additionally, it can be securely bonded to healthy tooth structures, making it a viable choice for repairing worn or fractured teeth.

The bonding process entails the application of resin to the chipped area and its careful shaping to align with the natural contour of the tooth. Once the resin is set and polished, it becomes nearly imperceptible from the rest of the tooth, seamlessly blending in.

The dental bonding procedure

Dental bonding is a straightforward cosmetic dental treatment which takes anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour to complete in most cases. Patients who need more than one tooth bonded will be informed if they should schedule multiple visits.

Our dentists will identify which colour best fits the affected tooth. The composite resin colour will then be chosen based on the selected shade to perfectly match your tooth’s natural shade. The dentist will lightly scrape and prepare the tooth’s surface for the bonding process. After that, a conditioning liquid is applied to the tooth to help the substance bond better to the etched surface.

Finally, the tooth-coloured resin is placed, moulded, and carved by the dentist until the desired shape and aesthetic appearance are achieved. A curing procedure is done afterwards, where the material is hardened using ultraviolet light or a laser until solid. After that, the dentist will polish the tooth, and outline it as needed. Since the bonded tooth must fit in with the other teeth in terms of overall colour, brightness, and shine, the refining procedure necessitates a keen eye for detail and aesthetics.

Tips for aftercare

Maintaining bonded teeth is crucial, just like caring for natural teeth. By ensuring proper cleanliness, bonded teeth can remain stronger and healthier for an extended period. To prevent discolouration, it’s advisable to minimize smoking and the consumption of stain-causing beverages such as tea and coffee.

Professional care from a dental hygienist is highly recommended for those who have had composite bonding. We recommend patients have their teeth cleaned twice a year or quarterly by our dental hygienist who is familiar with bonding maintenance.

In conclusion

A chipped tooth often doesn’t require extensive treatment. Dental bonding with a dentist can give you a natural-looking smile. To find out more, schedule an appointment with a general dentist at the dental office.

Please Request an appointment here: Woodlands Dental Clinic or call Woodlands Dental Clinic at 01823 666 651 for an appointment in our Wellington, Somerset Dental Practice.