Damaged, infected or missing teeth can put a huge damper on your holiday plans. It can make you feel extremely self-conscious and uncomfortable socializing with others, for fear of judgement. Tooth decay and other dental damages aren’t necessarily as rare as you might think, but that doesn’t stop people from feeling insecure about their appearance when it happens to them. Dental bonding in Toronto is an affordable, effective, long-lasting, and discreet cosmetic dental treatment that’s helped numerous patients regain their confidence and the ability to proudly showcase their smiles again.
What Is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding is a cosmetic procedure that involves implementing certain measures to improve the form and functionality of your teeth. Using dental-grade materials, your dentist can repair tooth cracks, chips, decay, and discolouration. In some cases, dental bonding can also effectively bridge the gap between teeth to improve your bite and the appearance of your smile. Resin is applied directly to the affected tooth or the adjacent teeth if there’s a gap and a light is used to ensure it becomes fully bonded with the enamel, resulting in a durable finished product.
Are You a Viable Candidate for Dental Bonding Treatment?
Only after performing a thorough examination of your teeth can your dentist determine if you require tooth bonding treatment. If you have concerns about the appearance, performance or quality of your teeth and meet the following criteria, then you may be a viable candidate and should seek dental treatment:
- Cracked, chipped, or broken teeth
- Discolouration
- Tooth decay
- Missing teeth or tooth gaps
- Amalgam fillings that need to be replaced
- Extreme sensitivity caused by tooth root exposure as a result of severe gum recession or inflammation
What Are the Benefits of Dental Bonding Treatment?
Can Be Done in One Appointment
Compared to other types of protective and reparative covers for your teeth, such as dental veneers and crowns, dental bonding is one of the most affordable and convenient treatment options. For one thing, it can be done right there on the spot, usually during a single appointment. Veneers and crowns require multiple dental visits because your dentist has to create a mould of your teeth and then send it to an off-site dental lab to have them made. You have to come back for another visit so your dentist can have them fitted. If they don’t fit correctly, then the process starts from the beginning.
With dental bonding, your dentist can apply the resin all in one appointment depending on your specific circumstances and they don’t have to scrape off nearly as much enamel as they do with the other two treatments. If there’s a large gap or you’re missing multiple teeth, then several sessions may be required to correct the issue. Your dentist will be able to advise you of this after examining your teeth.
You Don’t Have to Be Put Under
Dental bonding is typically a fairly cut and dry treatment that can quickly repair surface tooth damages and small cracks. Anesthesia typically isn’t required unless you have extremely sensitive teeth, the damage is extremely close to a nerve, or your dentist is using the dental bonding treatment to fill in a cavity or replace a filling.
Hides Dental Imperfections
Imperfections such as missing teeth, cracks, and discolouration can easily be hidden with a simple dental bonding treatment. Dental bonding for gaps is also an effective treatment option that reinforces the structural stability and strength of damaged teeth to improve the appearance and functionality of your teeth while preventing further damages.
Alternative to Amalgam Fillings
Conventional amalgam fillings are silver and stick out like a sore thumb. Although they’re incredibly effective, more and more dentists are gearing toward using composite resin dental bonding treatment instead because they can be customized to blend in seamlessly with your other teeth.
What Are the Risks Involved with Dental Bonding for Gaps?
Dental bonding treatment is a great alternative to veneers, crowns, and amalgam silver fillings for a number of reasons. But it also has a few risks associated with it.
Not Entirely Stain-Resistant
Although dental bonds are designed to cover up tooth discolouration and natural staining, they’re not entirely stain-resistant themselves. Over time, the resin material can become stained and may need to be replaced, but routine dental cleanings can keep your teeth looking white and shiny for longer periods of time.
Bonding Materials Don’t Last Forever
The bonding materials can eventually chip or break down over time just like your natural teeth. Veneers and crowns are certainly more durable, but they also come at a higher price point.
Important Factors Your Dentist Should Consider when Performing Dental Bonding Treatment
Natural Tooth Colour and Shape
Several steps need to be taken during the dental bonding treatment and application process to guarantee that it’s done correctly and to the highest degree.
Your dentist needs to carefully examine the colour and shape of your surrounding teeth to match them with absolute precision.
Parafunctional Habits
Parafunctional habits, which are actions that are performed by certain body parts—primarily the mouth and teeth—that go beyond its intended use, are also considered. Simply put, your teeth and mouth are meant for chewing food and drinking.
Oftentimes, we use our teeth for other purposes such as ripping open packages, opening metal cans with tabs and holding items when our hands are full. Once you’ve had any kind of dental work done, it’s advised that you resist the urge to use your teeth for anything other than their intended purpose.
Teeth Grinding
Patients often grind their teeth without even realizing that they’re doing it until it causes some kind of damage. Teeth grinding can have an emotional trigger such as stress, anxiety or anger. Most people tend to grind their teeth in their sleep, which is why dentists recommend wearing a mouth guard at night.
Schedule a Dental Bonding Appointment in Etobicoke
If you can relate to any of the dental issues described in this article, then we suggest you make an appointment at Princeview Dental in Etobicoke for a checkup as soon as possible. Dr. Janice Mummery is respected dentist in the Kingsway community and she can recommend appropriate treatment options to restore your teeth. Contact us today.
Read More: How Can I Reduce My Dental Care Expenses?
