Did you know that tooth-coloured dental composites are used for more than tooth fillings? The versatile material can address aesthetic concerns resulting from accidents or biting into something hard and protect certain teeth from further damage.
Restoring Chipped or Fractured Enamel
The process for restoring chips or cracks involves:
- Preparing the tooth surface
- Shade-matching the material to your tooth colour
- Applying layers of composite resin to the tooth
- Carefully sculpting the material to the tooth’s contours
- Hardening the material with a special “curing” light
This approach works well for minor repairs and fixes, but more significant damage may require a different approach, such as veneers or crowns.
Closing the Gap: Managing Diastemas and "Black Triangles"
Those small triangular gaps many people see between teeth at the gumline are commonly referred to as “black triangles” and can often be addressed with composite bonding. In this case, the dentist applies the material to the sides of teeth to close or minimise these spaces.
Your dentist will assess whether bonding is appropriate for your situation or whether other treatments might be more suitable.
Addressing "Craze Lines" and Surface Wear
Craze lines are the tiny cracks that can appear in tooth enamel. Over time, these lines collect stains and become more noticeable. Composite bonding can cover these areas and provide a protective layer over the compromised enamel.
More than a “rejuvenation” procedure, the composite material also helps protect underlying dentin from accelerated wear by creating a barrier against further damage.
The Clinical Assessment: When is Bonding the Right Choice?
Dental bonding is not necessarily the answer for every chip, gap or wear pattern. Your dentist needs to evaluate the extent of damage, your bite relationship, oral hygiene habits and whether you grind your teeth. During your examination, they will discuss whether tooth-coloured fillings and bonding suit your needs.
Would you like to see how composite resin in Brisbane CBD might address your dental needs? Edward St Dental looks forward to your call and helping you book a convenient appointment.