Your teeth help you to bite and chew your food. They are also needed to help you speak clearly, and a clean, bright white smile gives you self-confidence and boosts your self-esteem.
If you have a tooth that is chipped, cracked, discolored or decayed, it will affect your appearance. However, a damaged tooth is also a tooth that is not functioning at full capacity. The chip or crack could get bigger, which could lead to an infection, tooth decay, or increased tooth decay.
In such a case, your dentist may suggest remedying the situation with a dental bond. In dental bonding, your dentist will use a plastic resin colored to match the look of your tooth to conceal the damage. Bonding is usually done in one visit to the office, and unless the dentist has to remove decayed tooth material, no anesthetic is required.
Once the dentist has found the shade of resin that will match your teeth, they will roughen the surface of the tooth and use a conditioning liquid to help the bonding material stick to it. The dentist will apply the resin and mold it into the proper shape. After the resin has hardened, the dentist will finish shaping it, and then polish it until it blends in with the rest of the tooth.
The resin used in bonding is not as strong as your natural teeth. If you grind your teeth, or chew ice or other objects, you run the risk of chipping the bond. The resin can also be stained by coffee, tobacco and foods. You should avoid foods or drinks that could stain the bond for at least 48 hours after the procedure. You should continue to brush twice a day, floss once a day, and see your dentist for your regular cleaning and exam.
Aside from improving your smile a dental bond can protect your tooth from further damage or decay. If you would like to learn more about dental bonds, our dentist, Dr. James Feldman will be happy to meet with you for an exam and a consultation. If you live in the city, state, area and would like to make an appointment at Feldman Dentistry contact us at 202-362-8412.