Have you ever chipped a tooth when eating something hard or fallen on it accidentally? A chipped tooth affects more than your smile; for instance, chewing food can become uncomfortable. It can affect your confidence too. This is why dental bonding in West Kelowna exists. It was designed to provide an efficient, inexpensive, natural-looking tooth repair.
Dental bonding is a cosmetic dentistry treatment technique that utilizes a tooth-colored resin material to repair a tooth to its shape, size, and dental aesthetics. It is a conservative treatment option compared to crowns and veneers, and it can often be completed in one visit for those fast-paced patients.
How Does Dental Bonding Work?
When you seek bonding from a dentist in West Kelowna, there is usually little to no preparation. First, your tooth is cleaned, and the surface is gently abraded to allow better adhesion for the resin. First, the dentist gets the tooth ready. Then, they put on a soft material called resin, shape it like a real tooth, and harden it with a special light. After that, the dentist polishes it so it looks like your other teeth.
This usually takes less than an hour per tooth to perform. Most patients feel little to no discomfort during this procedure, and it is a safe and effective treatment to repair chips, cracks, small gaps, and even discoloration.
How Long Does Tooth Bonding Last?
Patients often ask how long tooth bonding lasts. When performed correctly, with proper care, composite tooth bonding can last anywhere from 4 to 10 years. How long your bonding lasts depends on how you take care of your teeth, what you eat, and how big the fix is.
Some tips for maintaining your bonding for as long as possible include:
- Avoid the habit of biting hard objects, like ice or pens.
- Restrict stain-causing foods and drinks such as coffee and red wine.
- Keep up on brushing and flossing regularly, and see your dentist for routine cleans.
- If you grind your teeth, try wearing a nightguard while you sleep.
How Big of a Chipped Tooth Can Be Bonded?
Worried about how your big chipped tooth can be fixed? Dental bonding is mainly effective for small to medium chips. When your tooth has an area that is large or its structure is compromised, it may make sense to utilize a crown or a veneer to help fortify the structure.
Bonding works great for:
- Some minor chips from biting hard foods.
- Edge wear from grinding.
- A small break due to a sports injury.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding has multiple benefits, making it one of the most flexible cosmetic solutions:
- Quick, often same-day procedure.
- Less expensive than other cosmetic procedures.
- Minimally invasive, preserving your natural tooth structure.
- Can be tinted to match your natural tooth color.
- Most cases do not need anesthesia.
Bring Back Your Confident Smile Today!
Need a speedy fix for your chipped tooth that also feels comfortable? At Westbank Dental & Implant Centre, you will experience the latest techniques along with individual attention to get your tooth back to its original beauty in no time. Call and request your appointment, and experience the great benefits of dental bonding.
FAQs
Can bonded teeth get cavities?
Yes, the natural tooth beneath the bonding can develop cavities, so it is important to follow good hygiene.
Will the bonded teeth feel different than my natural teeth?
You may notice a slight difference at first, but the majority of patients adapt to all bonding, and it feels completely normal.
Can I whiten bonded teeth?
No. The resin used for bonding does not respond to whitening, and it is best to do any whitening needed before bonding.
Is bonding just for front teeth?
Although bonding is used for front teeth, it can be used to repair areas of molars, provided the damage is not too extensive.
How do I know if I need bonding or a crown?
Your dentist will determine how damaged the tooth is. Bonding may be used for cosmetic repairs or minor structural damage, and crowns are used for major restorations.