How We Repair a Broken Front Tooth
It's traumatic to break a front tooth, but today a broken tooth can be restored to nearly new condition, function and appearance, thanks to new bonding techniques and materials.
Bonding is the artistic placement of a tooth-colored plastic material to restore a misshapen, discolored or broken tooth. Bonding is a flexible and adaptable means for repairing teeth, as it can restore the appearance and function of one tooth, or a n
umber of teeth. And the effects are not merely cosmetic. Bonding protects teeth from additional wear and damage.
The procedure
Bonding is usually a single appointment procedure. The first step is the careful selection of the color and type of tooth-colored bonding material, called composite resin, to match the color of the teeth. Next, we lightly reduce the tooth with the den
t
al handpiece, and a conditioning solution is applied to roughen the tooth surface and ensure that the resin will bond to it. Then, we apply the bonding material, sculpt and contour it to the proper shape, and then harden it with a harmless, high-intensityBonding is the aV
light. Lastly, we smooth and polish the new restoration to a high luster.
What are my alternatives?
Broken or discolored front teeth are a common problem. They can be unsightly, and may have a negative impact on a person's self-esteem. The problems don't end there; a broken tooth may be more susceptible to fractures and decay. Alternative treatments
include crowns and veneers, but bonding conserves a maximum amount of tooth structure while providing a terrific-look
