Cracked or chipped teeth can hurt your appearance and confidence. They can make you feel uncomfortable smiling for videos, photographs, or even during happy occasions. That is unfortunate because smiling is good for you and can positively affect your mood and outlook.

Furthermore, chips and cracks can lead to other dental health problems like tooth decay. Fortunately, there is an easy and effective solution to fixing this problem and restoring your beautiful smile.

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding, also known as teeth bonding, is a cosmetic procedure used to fix chipped or cracked teeth with minimal removal of the tooth structure. Dentists use composite resin material colored to match the patient’s teeth for teeth bonding. Once the substance hardens, it is barely noticeable.

Dental bonds are strong and can last for several years when cared for properly. They are like shallow dental fillings. Dentists typically use them on the front teeth for aesthetic purposes, but they can also work on the back teeth. Teeth bonding makes your teeth look like intact teeth with a desirable shade.

Why You Should Consider Dental Bonding

Dentists recommend teeth bonding to improve the appearance of teeth with the following issues:

• Exposed root due to receding gums

• Tooth decay

• Discoloration

• Minor chips and cracks that do not require extensive repairs, such as a dental crown or root canal

• Misshapen teeth

• Teeth that are too short

• Teeth with gaps between them

What to Expect

The bonding procedure is more straightforward than you might expect. Your dentist will first roughen the problem tooth before applying a conditioning liquid to clean the tooth’s surface. This step will help the bonding material adhere to the tooth.

They will then determine the material color that closely matches your natural tooth color and coat the tooth with an adhesive. The dentist will then carefully apply the resin and shape it to blend with the tooth before using a special light to harden the material. Once it sets, the dentist will use various tools to reduce excess resin and shape and polish the bonding material.

Time to Completion

A single visit is enough for the entire treatment, but you may need to schedule subsequent checkup visits. The typical procedure takes less than one hour for each tooth. However, much will depend on the scope of work and your dentist’s experience. Teeth bonding does not require a recovery period, so eating comfortably on the same day should not be a problem.

Care and Lifespan

Well-cared-for bonded teeth can last more than ten years. So, they are a durable way to improve a smile but not a permanent solution. However, poor habits and oral care can damage the restoration or cause discoloration. Some of the care tips for bonded teeth to ensure their longevity include:

• Maintain excellent oral hygiene habits

• Manage your teeth grinding

• Avoid chewing hard foods or ice

• Avoid using teeth whitening solutions because they can highlight differences in shade

Conclusion

Dental bonding is a cosmetic procedure typically performed in a single visit. It is a highly successful and well-established means to correct a smile. If you are considering this treatment, consult your dentist about your options.

Visit Dr. Sam's Premier Dentistry at our Sherman, Texas office to learn more about dental bonding. Call 903-708-6400 to schedule an appointment.