If you have a chip in one of your teeth and are concerned about aesthetics, then you can work with your dentist to repair the tooth. There are several types of repairs that can be completed that include dental bonding. Dental bonding involves the use of a bonding compound called resin to fill in cracks, chips, and holes caused by cavities. If you are considering bonding, then you should know that there are some advantages to choosing this type of restoration.

Little Enamel Is Removed

Dental crowns and veneers are two of the other common implements used to repair the teeth. Both of these options are long lasting and natural looking, but they do require the removal of a large amount of tooth enamel. For example, dental crowns require a millimeter of enamel removal in some cases while veneers involve the release of one-half a millimeter or more.

The removal of enamel is not necessary when it comes to dental bonding. Your dentist will simply use a tooth to roughen the edges of the chip. This process, along with the placement of a conditioning fluid, allows the bonding agent to stick to the enamel properly. In this way, only an undetectable bit of enamel is released. 

There are many reasons why you want to retain as much enamel as possible. The enamel protects the teeth and keeps acidic compounds and bacteria away from the more sensitive dentin and tooth pulp. Also, enamel thickness helps to reduce sensitivity issues. 

The Process Is Quick

Crowns and veneers require several dental appointments. The appointments involve the preparation of the teeth, the creation of the molds, and the adhesion of the crowns. If you do not have a great deal of time or if you are concerned about the cost of the numerous dental visits, then this can be a real issue for you.

Dental  bonding has the advantage of being relatively quick. In fact, the bonding process can be completed during a single visit. The resin that is used during bonding is mixed, spread, hardened, and molded while you sit in the dentist chair. The process will only take about 30 minutes in most cases and no followup is needed.

You should understand that while the bonding process is quick, you will need to be careful with the bonded tooth for a few days. This allows the resin material to fully cure and harden. Also, the resin can chip after some time, so keep an eye on the repair and meet with your dental professional so that more resin can be added as it chips away.