Immediate composite or Bonded Tooth Restoration

The patient had fractured the incisal (top) edge of her front tooth. With a wedding the following day she scheduled an appointment at Great Boca Smiles where Dr. Alan Markowitz repaired the tooth. Teeth Bonding typically does not require anesthesia, and can usually be completed in a single visit.

Tooth bonding can be used to repair defects, imperfections, or chipped teeth. In some cases, dentists use bonding to close small gaps between teeth or increase the size of a tooth. A typical procedure can take between half-an-hour to an hour and patients can return to their daily routine right after the procedure is completed. In extreme cases of tooth damage or decay, bonding may not be an option, and the patient would require a veneer or crown instead.

Tooth bonding is where a composite resin is applied to the damaged tooth. The color of the resin is matched to the natural color of the patient’s teeth. The surface of the tooth is roughened so the resin has plenty of surface area to attach to. The resin is molded or shaped to the tooth and hardened using an ultraviolet light. If necessary the dentist can fine-tune the tooth after the resin hardens.

Bonding is not as strong as enamel, and while they can chip, bonding typically stands up better than other materials. Be aware that bonding can discolor, drinking coffee or tea or smoking may cause some discoloration.