One of the first things a dentist will do for a chipped tooth is to assess how the injury occurred, and most likely take dental x-rays. The dentist will also inquire about any pain the patient may be having as a result of the injury.
If there is little or no pain and the dental x-rays show no root damage, the dentist may repair a chipped tooth in one of a few different ways. If you have chipped or cracked teeth, a popular dental procedure called bonding may be appropriate for you. It also can be used to fill in silver fillings to give your mouth a more natural appearance.
Unfortunately, teeth bonding may not be for everyone. An instance where a tooth bonding is not right is if major dental work needs to be completed. As with any medical or dental procedure, a patient should discuss options with his physician and dental provider.
Tooth bonding is a technique where the dentist takes a composite resin which he then literally bonds to your teeth, helping diminish flaws. The composite resin chosen matches the normal tooth color as close as possible.
The natural tooth which the dentist will bond the resin to is then roughened. He roughens the tooth so that the resin attaches itself and remains properly.
The resin is then attached to the natural tooth in a soft pasty form. The dentist works at sculpting and smoothing over the resin so that it looks natural with your teeth. The newly bonded tooth is then hardened by a special light and then the tooth is polished.
Depending on the severity of the crack, chip or misalignment, the bonding can usually be performed in one visit. Consultation with your dentist will help with figuring out a timeline as to when the bonding will be finished.
Usually nothing needs to be done beforehand by the client. Unless the resin is being used to help fill a decayed tooth, anesthesia is normally not used during the bonding of teeth.
A good candidate for teeth bonding would be someone who is looking to change his dental appearance due to chips, cracks, misalignment, discoloration, replacement of silver fillings, receding gums or spaces in gums and tooth decay.
Bonding of the teeth should be used for minor abnormalities of the teeth. It's not recommended that this procedure be used for major dental work or overly decayed teeth.
It is recommended that smokers do not get bonding as the teeth will discolor. The resin used to bond the teeth is porous and will stain easily from the smoking.
The patient should not only be in good physical health but should also be in good psychological health. Someone thinking about getting their teeth bonded should consult with a dentist.
Benefits of teeth bonding is the overall appearance of a better smile. Being happy with your smile means that you have a higher self-esteem and thus feel better about yourself. After the bonding of teeth the individual will have cracks diminished, chips decreased, teeth straightened out, and even tooth discoloration faded.
The bonding of the teeth lasts 8 to 10 years, if cared for properly. Properly caring for your teeth would involve regular flossing, brushing after meals or at least three times a day, avoiding smoking and coffee and getting regular check-ups and cleanings.
The resin used to bond the teeth is not as strong or dependable as an actual natural tooth. For this reason, dental directions should be taken seriously and unhealthy habits should be avoided. These unhealthy habits include but are not limited to, biting nails, biting on pens or pencils, or anything that is not food that can break the resin material.
The only risk seems to be breaking or chipping of the bonded teeth. This shows that the benefits outweigh the risks. When the bonded tooth does crack, chip, or break...and it will...the patient can simply re-bond the tooth at the dentist.
After the procedure is done, patients may feel slight discomfort or sensitivity. It is recommended that patients cut or slice foods - especially hard foods - before eating. This will prevent breaking or shipping as well as allow for minimal discomfort.
After a few hours of painless bonding, your teeth can be as good as new. Teeth bonding provide healthier and more glamorous-looking teeth.
Author Resource:-
Jack R. Landry is a former dental assistant and has authored hundreds of articles relating to oral health and Bakersfield, CA Cosmetic Dentist. He has been a guest dental lecturer for over 15 years.
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