How Tooth Bonding Works on Small Teeth
The dentist evaluates your bite to determine if your teeth are naturally small or appear so due to their shape. Your dentist will then decide if bonding is an appropriate option for you, based on the overall health of your teeth. This procedure is usually quick and simple, as it typically only requires a minor amount of bonding material.
Your dentist will begin by choosing the best shade of resin to blend in with your teeth, then applying a special conditioning solution to roughen the surface of your teeth. They’ll apply bonding material to your teeth, shaping it with a brush.
The dentist will cure or harden the bonding material with a special light and then polish the material to blend in with your natural teeth.
Small Teeth That Can Benefit From Bonding:
Teeth that appear short, narrow, or uneven can often benefit from bonding. Unlike reshaping, which removes enamel to alter the shape of your teeth, bonding adds bonding material where it’s needed to improve the appearance of your teeth.
Reasons to Consider Tooth Bonding:
Small Teeth: Sometimes teeth just appear to be smaller than normal. Bonding can add width to your teeth, making your smile look better without having to reshape all of your teeth.
Small Spaces: Teeth with small spaces between them can sometimes benefit from bonding. While larger gaps should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, bonding material can be used to close up these spaces.
Misshapen Teeth: Small, uneven front teeth can be bonded to make them appear more even. In the case of a tooth that appears shorter than the others, bonding material could be added along the edge of the tooth to make it appear longer.
How Long Will the Appointment Take?
In the case of smaller cosmetic issues, bonding can sometimes take between 30-60 minutes per tooth. Of course, the more teeth that require bonding, the longer the appointment will take.
Your dentist will shape the material to your satisfaction, so communicate any concerns you have about the shape while they’re still working on the material. It’s much easier to file down sections of a tooth than it is to add more bonding material later.
Once the dentist has finished shaping the material and polishing it, they’ll ask you to bite down so that they can check your bite.
How Long Will My Bonded Teeth Last?
Most teeth bonded with composite resin last between 3-10 years, depending on how much material was used. Unfortunately, like all dental restorations, bonded teeth can stain or chip with age.
Should I Get My Small Teeth Bonded?
Consider bonding for small cosmetic issues before going in for more invasive or expensive procedures. While it doesn’t last nearly as long as porcelain veneers, it’s also significantly cheaper and preserves most of your natural teeth. However, it’s not for every patient, as teeth with extensive damage or uneven teeth may require more drastic measures.
While bonding can lengthen uneven teeth or add material to undersized teeth, it’s important to remember that there’s such a thing as too much bonding material. While a chipped tooth should receive just enough material to disguise the damage, making a smaller tooth appear much wider can cause it to look unnatural.
Visit our page on composite bonding London to explore treatment options, costs, and expert advice.
The insights shared in our articles are meant to educate and inform, not to replace a face-to-face consultation. Every smile is unique, and a proper diagnosis can only be made by a qualified clinical professional. Please book an appointment with our team or consult your local dentist for advice tailored to your specific oral health needs.
