Everyone dreams of having and maintaining a beautiful smile, but imperfections like cracks, chips and stains (no matter how minor), have the potential to play on your mind. Thankfully, there are minimally invasive treatments that can be used to fix these, including tooth bonding. At Corner House Dental, we are highly experienced in carrying out this popular procedure, which has left the smiles of many patients here in Norwich, looking rejuvenated. Read on to find out more about tooth bonding.
What is tooth bonding?
Tooth bonding is no new kid on the block – it’s been around for more than 50 years.
Tooth bonding can beautify your smile in a variety of ways. From closing small gaps and addressing stains, to fixing cracks and chips, it’s versatile and less invasive than treatment with veneers. Using layers of composite resin that’s matched to fit your tooth shade, we can build a bespoke restoration, made uniquely for your smile.
Other uses of tooth bonding include solving dental decay and protecting exposed roots from gum recession.
What can I expect from the tooth bonding process?
As with all the treatments we provide, the bonding process will start with a conversation with you, about what you hope to achieve through treatment. By gaining an understanding of how you perceive your smile, we can pinpoint exactly how to use the bonding process to achieve the results you’re looking for.
Following this, we can prepare your tooth with an etching solution and carefully and gradually apply the special composite resin materials. Layering these bit-by-bit allows us to recreate the appearance of real tooth enamel, so that no-one need know you’ve even had your tooth bonded!
The final touches involve having the tooth polished and hardened using a UV light, and you can then leave the practice feeling confident about your teeth again.
Why is tooth bonding so popular?
There are a number of reasons why tooth bonding is a popular way of repairing imperfections with your teeth, including:
- Comfortable restoration as soon as treatment is complete: as the composite material is hardened using a UV light, you’ll have a restoration that you can comfortable bite down on immediately after the procedure is complete.
- Minimally-invasive: veneers and crowns require more of your tooth matter to be removed before the procedure can go through. In the case of tooth bonding, this is only a small amount, making it a more minimally solution to repair a tooth.
- Quick and straightforward: tooth bonding takes as little as an hour and can be completed in one appointment.
- Durable: although not as durable as a veneer (which can last for over 15 years) composite bonding is still reasonably long-lasting. With regular visits to the hygienist and dentist, your bonded tooth can last for up to a decade.
- Protect a tooth from further damage: having a chipped or cracked tooth restored will protect it from the risk of further damage. You will also find it’s easier to eat and bite your teeth together.
- Beautifully–crafted restorations: our dentists here in Norwich love the freedom and level of precision the tooth bonding process offers. As we are able to layer the composite resin very gradually, we can diligently build up the bond, to give a subtle and natural-looking result.
- No injections or drilling: this will be music to the ears of nervous patients – tooth bonding does not require any invasive techniques such as injections or drilling.
Tooth bonding: aftercare
Whilst there is no specific aftercare practice associated with tooth bonding, visiting the dentist and hygienist for routine check-ups is central to ensure it stays in tact. We may need to re-polish the surface of the bonded tooth occasionally to make sure it retains its shine, just as your natural teeth do. In terms of diet, you will have the freedom to eat whatever you like, even tougher foods. However, you should refrain from habits like biting your nails or end of a pencil, as this could subject your bonded tooth to damage.
If you find your bonded toot sustains a crack or chip, contact us at your earliest convenience so we can repair this for you.
You should be aware that bonded teeth are prone to staining, so it’s important to refrain from habits like smoking, and avoid tooth staining food and drink.
Transforming your smile, for a more confident you
There are many benefits that come from restoring cosmetic imperfections with your teeth, particularly those most visible when you smile. We understand just how impactful a chipped, cracked or stained front tooth can become, causing you to feel worried about smiling in public. With the end of lockdown finally in sight, there will (hopefully!) be many more opportunities to see friends, family and colleagues in person, and what better gift to give yourself than a rejuvenated and beautiful smile for the occasion?!
Read our blog on the many ways you can show your smile some love with cosmetic dental treatments in Norwich, right here.
Contact our Norwich dental practice to book your appointment for tooth bonding today.