Teeth Bonding 101: What to Expect
Your teeth happen to be among the strongest bones in your body. They play an important role in your survival, helping you chew, speak, and even smile. Ideally, your permanent teeth should last your lifetime, but this may not always be the case. Being strong does not make your teeth resistant to damage in the form of chips and fractures. You can damage your teeth in various ways: in an accident, by grinding them, by improper care, or when you use your teeth as tools such as opening bottles and cans. Teeth bonding helps correct these problems to avoid even greater damage to your teeth.
What is Tooth Bonding?
Sometimes referred to as dental bonding, it is a cosmetic procedure that involves applying a tooth-colored composite resin over the enamel of a damaged tooth to repair it. The procedure is a good option for those seeking a cost-effective and non-invasive way to improve the appearance of their teeth.
Dental bonding in Rexdale, ON is a quick and simple process that rarely requires the use of anesthesia. It begins with the dentist using a shade guide to choose a composite resin color that closely matches your natural teeth. The tooth to be bonded is then prepared by slightly roughening the enamel. This step is necessary because it makes it easier for the bonding agent and composite resin to stick onto the tooth.
After prepping the enamel, a bonding agent is applied, followed by the composite resin. The resin is then molded to the desired shape and size before curing with the help of a UV lamp.
Are There Any Risks Involved?
Generally, composite bonding is a safe outpatient procedure with no serious side effects. It hardly interferes with the tooth’s natural structure, unlike other cosmetic treatments such as veneers and dental crowns.
You need to keep in mind that the composite material used is not as strong as your natural teeth. Therefore, bonded teeth are still at risk of damage if you do not care for them properly. The bonding material can chip or separate from your tooth, especially if you chew on hard objects such as ice or writing implements. Composite resin is also not good at resisting stains, and you are likely to experience discoloration if you smoke or consume staining foods like coffee and red wine.
How to Care for Bonded Teeth
It is important to continue taking good care of your teeth even after having them bonded. There is no compromising on oral hygiene, so continue to brush at least twice daily and floss at least once. You also need to avoid a couple of things if you want the treatment results to last. Avoid using your teeth as tools to open bottles or cut tape. Hard food and candies should also be avoided, especially if you have a history of brittle teeth that chip easily.
In addition to everything you do to care for your bonded teeth, do not forget to keep to a regular dental appointment schedule. This is not just good for the care of your dental repairs but also your overall oral health. It is recommended that you see a dentist in Rexdale, ON at least twice every year or as often as needed.
Teeth bonding is a great way of fixing chips, cracks, discoloration, and even small gaps between the teeth. At West Humber Dentistry, we have a professional team that works to ensure you get the best outcome from your bonding procedure. The process can be achieved in a single appointment and is usually painless. However, like with any other procedure, your teeth need to be healthy. If you suffer from gum disease or cavities, you have those treated first before the bonding material is applied.
You can book your appointment online today or contact us to learn more about dental bonding and other dental cosmetic procedures offered at our clinic.