How Can You Best Deal with a Chipped Tooth?

If you have a penchant for hard food or like to chew on candy, you may be taking a risk with your dentition. Over time, this behaviour could weaken the structure of the tooth, and one day, part of it may simply break. This can be very disconcerting if the tooth happens to be in the front of your mouth, as this can certainly affect your appearance and ruin your smile. But all is not lost, as a cosmetic dentist may be able to put things right using a process known as dental bonding. How does this work?

Ideal Solution

Dental bonding is a cost-effective and suitable solution whenever you have a pitted, chipped or decayed tooth that is either causing you some discomfort or is affecting your smile. It doesn't take long to perform and can often be done without any anaesthetic.

Preparing for the Procedure

To enable the bonding material to adhere to the tooth, the dentist may first have to alter its surface so that the composite resin can adhere correctly. They will use a special conditioning liquid to prepare the tooth for the resin, and they will carefully manipulate the material while it is soft until they have achieved the preferred shape. Further, the colour of the resin is compared to a shade guide so that it matches the colour of the rest of your teeth.

Hardening the Resin

Once the dentist is happy with the appearance, they will use a laser tool to harden the resin quickly. They can do any fine-tuning while this process unfolds before polishing the new surface and the surrounding teeth.

Taking Care

Once everything is done and you have left the surgery, you should avoid chewing on anything hard (including those candies) to allow the bonded tooth to properly bed in. Otherwise, you may damage the resin or recreate the original problem. Further, make sure that you clean and floss every day as usual and get rid of any potential buildup behind the bonded tooth.

Further Information

While you are in the dentist's chair, ask them about other cosmetic procedures. You may be able to take advantage of some alternative solutions to restore other areas of your mouth that need some attention. Separately, make an appointment to return to see the dentist in a few months' time, so they can check on the bonded tooth and make sure that it is still in good condition.

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