Embarrassed By A Chipped Tooth? A Cosmetic Dentist May Be Able To Help With Bonding

If you lost the corner of a tooth due to an injury, the chip can really affect your smile. You may become embarrassed about your appearance even if your teeth are otherwise healthy and white. A chip can be repaired quite easily, and it should be done as soon as you can to protect your tooth from further damage. A cosmetic dentist has a few options for filling in a chip and one of them is bonding. Here's how bonding works and why it's often a good choice for repairing a chipped tooth:

What To Expect When You Have A Tooth Bonded

Bonding is a procedure your dentist performs in a single visit. It involves applying a material to your tooth that matches the color of your other teeth and has the appearance of natural enamel. The bonding material fills in the chipped area and is sculpted to take on the appearance of a natural tooth. Bonding is almost an art form since the dentist has to apply the material by hand and shape it into the ideal form so the finished tooth looks natural.

Once the bonding material is sculpted into shape, it is cured with a light that causes it to harden to make the repaired area as strong as natural enamel. Since the dentist is careful about matching color, the bonding material blends right in and the repairs are not noticeable. Although the surface of the chip has to be etched so the bonding material adheres well, there is no drilling involved so bonding is an easy procedure to undergo even if you are squeamish about going to the dentist.

Why Bonding Is Often Preferred Over Other Procedures

Bonding may not always be the best choice for repairing your chipped tooth. When it is suitable, it is usually a better option than getting a veneer or a crown because it is less expensive, it is a quicker procedure, and it is easier to endure. Plus, your healthy tooth doesn't have to be drilled or damaged during the procedure.

When you get a veneer, the dentist has to remove a thin layer of enamel from your tooth so the veneer will fit. A veneer is made in a lab so you'll have two office visits to have it applied. A crown also requires removal of part of your healthy tooth, and it is also made in a lab so you can expect at least office visits to get the work done. Multiple office visits contribute to the higher cost of the dental work.

If you have a chip in your tooth, talk to a cosmetic dentist about the options for having it repaired. Bonding could be an excellent choice since it fills in the chip and can even whiten the tooth if the tooth is discolored due to the injury. 

Contact a dental office like Cherry Hill Dentistry LLC for more information and assistance.