Dental bonding is a restorative and cosmetic procedure that fixes minor chips, cracks, to reshape a tooth, cover up imperfections like discoloration, close gaps, elongate teeth, or protect an exposed nerve.
This is achieved by bonding composite resin to the tooth to rebuild or change the structure and appearance of the tooth. Often shaping and contouring, also known as enameloplasty, is used alongside this treatment to achieve the desired look.
Enameloplasty involves removing a small amount of enamel from the tooth or additional shaping and contouring of the composite resin once it has been placed on the tooth. It is a minimally invasive and painless procedure. It is a much more affordable alternative to veneers.
If you’re interested in dental bonding to fix structural tooth problems or aesthetic imperfections, contact us at Scripps Rock Dental today. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Anthony Hatch or Dr. Shivi Gupta to find out if you’re a suitable candidate.
Dental bonding lasts for a variable amount of time depending on how you are for the bonded teeth, your oral hygiene and lifestyle habits, and your oral health. Bonding can last anywhere from 3-10 years.
To get the most out of your bonding procedure, you should ensure that you have a good oral hygiene routine that will prevent decay and gum disease. Brush your teeth twice a day for 2 minutes at a time.
Use a soft-bristle toothbrush so you don’t wear away the bonding material and clean your teeth with fluoride toothpaste. Don’t forget to floss and brush your tongue every day. Composite resin can become worn down or chipped just like your natural teeth so take care not to engage in damaging activities.
If you grind your teeth, you may not be a great candidate for dental bonding unless you can consistently wear a nightguard. Don’t use your teeth as tools to open packages, don’t ever chew on objects such as fingernails, and don’t use bonded teeth to chew on hard foods.
You should also avoid smoking and using any tobacco products because these can stain the bonded teeth. Limit your consumption of tea, red wine, coffee, and other staining foods and drinks.
The ADA recommends that you visit the dentist every 6 months for a dental cleaning and checkup. These cleanings can remove surface stains, bacterial plaque, and ensure your dental bonding is in good condition.
There are two main alternatives for treating chipped teeth and they are dental crowns and veneers. A dental crown is a good option for significant damage and severely cracked or chipped teeth because it is extremely durable, long-lasting, can be made of porcelain materials to blend in with the teeth.
Porcelain can also be fused to metal in teeth that undergo a lot of force from chewing. Metal materials are the most durable and can withstand the most force. A crown is a cap placed around all of the surfaces of the tooth for protection.
Alternatively, veneers are thin shells made of porcelain that can be placed over the teeth to cover up the appearance of chips and to provide more strength for the tooth. Veneers may be a better option if you have suffered from dental trauma resulting in many chipped teeth.
They are much more expensive but can last for up to 15 years. Veneers do not fix the structure of the teeth but they do cover them up. If you have suffered from severe dental trauma that has resulted in broken teeth, you may need to have these teeth extracted and replaced with dentures, dental implants, or a dental bridge.
For minor chips and cracks, dental bonding is the standard procedure to fix these issues as it is highly effective, affordable, and achieves similar results to the alternatives of dental crowns and veneers.
Avoid Damaging Foods
There are some foods that can wear down sealants quickly. Avoid eating hard candies, crunching ice cubes, and chewy foods like gummies or toffee. These high sugar foods should generally be limited anyway, as they promote tooth decay.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Follow good oral hygiene practices such as regular brushing and flossing to prevent cavities. Schedule follow up appointments with Dr. Gupta or Dr. Hatch every six months.
Don’t Use Your Teeth As Tools
Avoid using your teeth to chew or tear anything other than food.
Chewing hard foods like popcorn kernels or nuts with your veneers could cause them to wear down or break over time. Use your molars instead.
You should also never use your teeth or veneers to chew non-food objects, or to help you rip tape, open plastic bags, and for other such purposes.
Make sure you brush twice a day for two minutes, maintain a good diet, and see Dr. Gupta or Dr. Tony for a teeth cleaning and oral exam every six months.
Chewing hard foods like popcorn kernels or nuts with your veneers could cause them to wear down or break over time. Use your molars instead.
You should also never use your teeth or veneers to chew non-food objects, or to help you rip tape, open plastic bags, and for other such purposes.
Most patients without major tooth decay can benefit from sealants. Here are some factors for eligibility
AGE
Children with new molars are excellent candidates for sealants. It will protect against decay.
MINOR DECAY
Adults with minor decay can benefit from sealants. Any severe decay may require fillings or crowns.
FRAGILE TEETH
Any person with fragile teeth prone to decay can benefit from this preventative measure.
Chewing hard foods like popcorn kernels or nuts with your veneers could cause them to wear down or break over time. Use your molars instead.
You should also never use your teeth or veneers to chew non-food objects, or to help you rip tape, open plastic bags, and for other such purposes.
Make sure you brush twice a day for two minutes, maintain a good diet, and see Dr. Gupta or Dr. Tony for a teeth cleaning and oral exam every six months.
Chewing hard foods like popcorn kernels or nuts with your veneers could cause them to wear down or break over time. Use your molars instead.
You should also never use your teeth or veneers to chew non-food objects, or to help you rip tape, open plastic bags, and for other such purposes.
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