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Dental Bonding

Composite Dental Bonding

If you have a tooth with minor cosmetic damage, dental bonding may be an excellent repair method to fix the issue. Dental bonding helps to repair fractured, chipped, discolored, and decayed teeth.

Dental bonding is a simple procedure that can be completed in a single visit. Your dentist will apply resin, shape your tooth, then polish it. That’s it! Before you know it, you’ll have a tooth that looks as good as new. Your dentist will also make sure to shape it, so it properly matches the surrounding teeth—creating a natural appearance.

Below is more information about why you should consider bonding, what the procedure looks like, and aftercare. If you have any specific questions about dental bonding, veneers, or dental crowns, reach out to Oxboro Dental today.

Why Dental Bonding?

If you are looking to repair your cracked, chipped, or discolored tooth, a dental bonding procedure may be the perfect solution. With dental bonding, you’ll see an immediate improvement to your smile. Not only does dental bonding improve the appearance of your tooth, but it also helps to strengthen it a bit as well. Another benefit is the protection it provides from infections. With a cracked tooth, infection is more likely.

If you have a gap between your teeth, dental bonding can help. Dental bonding closes the gap and gives your smile a more full and natural appearance.

For a semi-permanent solution for your chipped, cracked, or discolored tooth reach out to Oxboro Dental and inquire about dental bonding.

Benefits Of Dental Bonding

There are a lot of great benefits that come with dental bonding. One major advantage of dental bonding is how little of the natural tooth needs to be replaced for the procedure. Some procedures like dental crowns involve the removal of a large portion of the tooth. Dentists prefer to maintain as much of your natural tooth as possible. With bonding, the majority of your tooth stays intact.

Many people see a dip in their self-confidence when they crack or chip a tooth. This may lead a person to smile less, which in turn can affect their mood. Dental bonding allows you to smile wide without fear of embarrassment.

The cosmetic improvements alone are enough reason to undergo a dental bonding procedure. Along with the improved look of your tooth comes additional protection. You should definitely consider dental bonding for your cracked, discolored, or chipped tooth.

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Looking for a dentist near Bloomington, MN ? Contact Oxboro Family Dental Today!

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The Dental Bonding Procedure

The dental bonding placement procedure is quick and easy. Once your dentist and you have decided dental bonding is the best option, your dentist will repair, clean, and dry your tooth. From there, they will roughen the enamel of the tooth and apply an adhesive. This bonds with the resin. Resin is applied in layers until the desired shape and thickness is created. During the application process, the resin is also smoothed and molded to fit the tooth and surrounding teeth. The resin is colored to match the natural portion of the tooth and the surrounding teeth. A high-intensity light is used to harden the resin next. Finally, the resin is trimmed and polished. Before you know it, the procedure is complete and you have a beautiful-looking tooth!

Proper Dental Care After a Dental Bonding Procedure

While dental bonding replaces a portion of the tooth, it is important to keep in mind you still have a healthy tooth that it is attached to that needs to be taken care of. On top of that, dental bonding isn’t a permanent solution. Generally, dental bonding lasts upwards of eight years or so. The resin can break, fracture, and stain over time. Certain foods and drinks will cause the resin to stain quicker. This includes wine, tea, coffee, blueberries, and more.

If you bite and chew your nails and other hard things, you can damage your bonding. Pencils and ice are a couple of other examples of things you shouldn’t chew. Make sure you are wearing a mouth guard if you play any sports to keep your dental bonding safe (and protect your teeth overall).

As a general rule, you should schedule an appointment for a cleaning and checkup twice a year. During this time, your dentist will professionally clean your teeth, take x-rays, and perform a visual examination. They can also take a look at your dental bonding and see if any touchups are required. Remember, dental bonding is not a replacement and offers minor protection from bacteria. You still need to brush, floss, and rinse twice a day, every day. The majority of your tooth is still natural, which means you can get tooth decay and cavities. Your gums are also at risk. You are at no lower risk for gum disease when you get dental bonding. Regular trips to the dentist, brushing, flossing, and rinsing are all required for your oral health. If you notice your dental bonding resin has gotten chipped or damaged, set an appointment with your dentist so they can take a look.

Other Repairs

There are a variety of different repair options that are intended for different circumstances. Along with dental bonding, veneers can be used for minor repairs. If the damage to the crown is more severe and dental bonding or a veneer won’t do the trick, a dental crown may need to be placed. Most dentists will avoid this when they can.

If your tooth is damaged to the point where it can no longer be repaired, your dentist may decide to extract it. From there, replacement options will need to be considered. You may have the option of having a dental implant placed. This will give you similar support to a natural tooth. With that said, it’s always best to have your real tooth and not a prosthetic.

For more information about which type of repair is right for you, reach out to Oxboro Dental. We can take a look and see if dental bonding is the right choice to meet your needs.