When should you see your dentist about your tooth? Is a minor chip or a slight crack enough to warrant a visit? In today’s blog, your Astoria, NY, dentist will look what the importance of seeking treatment for even minor damage, as well as a cosmetic treatment we may use to repair a tooth in just one visit. Let’s look at how we fix teeth with cosmetic dental bonding!
Issues That Require Restoration
Obviously, esthetic concerns, such as discoloration, could benefit from treatment. But if you have a chipped or cracked tooth, this is about more than just smile beauty. A damaged tooth, even if said damage is very minor, could potentially expose the sensitive inner layers of dentin to harmful bacteria. Since the damaged enamel can no longer hold the bacteria at bay, this means the onset of decay and eventually, the risk of a dental infection. If you have a broken or fractured tooth, let us know! We will examine the damage and see if you benefit from treatment.
The Bonding Process
We may use bonding to address minor damage, such a chips and cracks, and to lengthen worn down teeth as well. The treatment also reshapes malformed teeth, closes gaps between the teeth, and can even mask permanent teeth stains, the kind of discoloration that teeth whitening may not be enough to address. The procedure begins with the dentist examining your smile and then gently etching the tooth’s surface. We prepare the composite resin material and apply it in several layers. The etched portions will hold the material in place as we cure the composite resin under a light, sculpting the tooth in the process. Finally, we polish the tooth for a more lifelike appearance. We also use composite resin in our filling procedures, as we can shade the material to match the color of your tooth or teeth.
Dental Contouring
If the damage doesn’t pose a risk to your smile and is very minor, we may be able to address it with contouring. Unlike bonding, we don’t apply material to the tooth. Instead, we gently buff and sand the tooth to reshape it, dulling pointed teeth, removing pits and grooves, and reshaping minor damage or malformed teeth. If you have any questions about these one-visit cosmetic treatment options, then contact our team today. Don’t ignore minor damage and risk the onset of serious oral health complications!
Do You Need a Cosmetic Treatment?
If you need your smile repaired, then we may have a cosmetic treatment that can offer results in one visit. For more information on our treatment options, such as cosmetic bonding and contouring, then schedule a consultation, call Jeffrey Leibowitz, DDS, in Astoria, NY, today at 718-728-8320.
