If your teeth are cracked, decayed, discoloured or fragmented, a cosmetic dentist can restore the appearance by applying a tooth-coloured composite resin though a process known as tooth bonding. Considered one of the simplest and most affordable cosmetic options around, tooth bonding can be carried out with a straightforward procedure that requires only a single visit!
Tooth Bonding is a cosmetic dental procedure that is mainly used to fix chipped-teeth, tooth cavities and overall appearance of your tooth. We use natural tooth colour to ensure any treatment is not noticable to the naked eye.
Bonding is generally a good alternative for treating small blemishes and chips and can be done in one visit to the dentist. The tooth is prepared and resin is moulded to the shape required to repair the blemish. This is then trimmed and polished to a final finish.
Tooth bonding can correct the appearance of your teeth and cover many dental flaws. It is often recommended to improve the shape of teeth that may be naturally rounded or to fix chipped or stained teeth.
In addition to its cosmetic attributes, Tooth bonding can also be used to restore decayed teeth as well as replace silver amalgam fillings. The treatment will basically cover any minor dental flaws by applying a thin coating of a composite resin material on the front surface of your teeth, although the filling can also be placed in the back teeth as well.
Among the latest techniques and improvements in cosmetic procedures, tooth bonding is a relatively inexpensive option. It is a versatile treatment that requires minimum advanced tooth preparation and only takes between 30 minutes to an hour to complete. Most dental insurance will cover this treatment, at least partially, which means you can further defray the costs for an already affordable treatment. Please refer to your health fund provider for rebate information.
Whether for purposes of cosmetically enhancing your smile or repairing minor structural problems, dental bonding can be a viable treatment option for restoring your smile to its own best.
Dental bonding involves a pretty straightforward and simple procedure that takes anywhere between 30 minutes and an hour to complete. Several appointments may be required for patients who want more than one tooth bonded.
The cosmetic dentist usually starts with a colour guide to determine the shade that best matches the tooth that needs to be repaired. He will then select the composite resin colour based on the shade he chooses. As part of tooth preparation, the dentist would gently scrape and make the tooth’s surface course. A conditioning liquid is then applied on the tooth to facilitate a stronger bond for the material to adhere to the etched surface.
Finally, the tooth-coloured resin is applied, shaped and curved until the dentist achieves the right form and aesthetic look. This is followed by a curing process, in which an ultraviolet light or laser is used to harden the material until it becomes rock solid. The dentist will then polish the tooth, tidy and outline it further.
The refinement process demands a meticulous eye for detail and aesthetics, as the bonded tooth will need to blend in with the other teeth, corresponding in terms of the general colour, brightness and shine.
For the most part, you should maintain your bonded tooth the same way you would treat your natural teeth. Like your natural tooth, a bonded tooth will remain stronger and healthier for much longer when it is clean. Similarly, to protect your bonded tooth from discolouration, you should avoid smoking and frequent drinking of stain-causing beverages like tea and coffee.
Professional maintenance by a dental hygienist is required if you have had extensive bonding work done. If you belong to this group, it is highly recommended that you get your teeth cleaned twice yearly or quarterly by a hygienist who is versed in bonding maintenance. They are adequately trained to protect your bonding to maintain its appearance and prolong its lifespan.
If you prefer the edges of your teeth to be more squarish or wish to fix structural imperfections such as a chipped tooth or minor gap, dental bonding may be the solution that you’re looking for.
For more information on our Dental Bonding service or other Cosmetic Treatments, call our friendly Face Value Dental team on (07) 3221 0677.