Why Teeth Become Worn in the First Place
Teeth tend to become worn down due to a number of different reasons. Grinding of the teeth during sleep could be a reason, and you may not even realize you have this bad habit until your dentist points it out or someone mentions hearing you grinding your teeth at night.
Acid erosion could also wear down teeth. Sipping on acidic drinks can weaken enamel and cause teeth to be worn down. Brushing too hard can also wear down teeth in certain places.
How the Tooth Bonding Procedure Works
Getting the bonding done is a simple procedure. There is usually no need for injections as your dentist will likely remove little to no natural tooth enamel. The dentist you visit will determine the bonding treatment they’ll use based on how much of a bite you’ve lost.
Preparing the Tooth
Dentist will examine your worn teeth to see if there are any cavities or worse, deterioration in the tooth.
They’ll also check your bite to see how much your teeth overlap when you close your mouth. The dentist will clean the prepared teeth and apply a mild conditioning gel to them.
This will help the bonding agent adhere to the teeth properly. They’ll apply a bonding agent to your teeth to prepare the surface for the composite resin.
Applying and Shaping the Composite
Your dentist will then apply the composite resin material to your teeth in layers, shaping the material as they go. It’s important to remember they’re restoring the tooth, not overstuffing it. They’ll sculpt the composite to match the shape of your teeth.
Once they’ve applied enough layers to restore your teeth to the desired look, they’ll cure the composite using a special light. They’ll then check your bite again and make sure the surface of your teeth is smooth. They’ll finish by polishing your teeth to give them a natural appearance.
The entire bonding procedure can take between 30 minutes to an hour for each tooth, depending on how much bite loss you have.
Is Bonding a Good Choice for Worn Teeth?
Tooth bonding is an ideal option for teeth that have only been slightly worn down or are moderately worn but still have a decent amount of tooth enamel. The procedure is conservative, typically done in one sitting, and is more affordable than veneers or crowns.
There are some limitations that come with tooth bonding, however. Composite resin isn’t as resistant to wear as natural enamel, and it can crack if you use your teeth as tools. If you have severely worn teeth, discuss other restorative options with your dentist.
Caring for Bonded Teeth After Treatment
Care instructions for bonded teeth are simple and straight forward:
• Use a soft bristle brush with a fluoride toothpaste and avoid scrubbing your teeth to within an inch of their life in an effort to clean them.
• Don’t chew through things with your front teeth, and certainly don’t try to crack things open with your teeth, as composite bonding doesn’t forgive bad habits.
• If you grind your teeth while you sleep, make sure you always wear your nightguard, as you’d hate for the next thing you woke up to was another chipped tooth.
• Lastly, make sure you have your bonded teeth checked over regularly so any wear and tear and be caught before it turns into a larger issue.
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.
