Dental Bonding
Dental bonding, also known as composite bonding, has been used in dentistry for many years. It is an excellent way to repair cracked, chipped and discoloured teeth as well as replacing silver amalgam fillings. Dental bonding can also be used to close gaps and reshape misaligned teeth, providing a straighter, more uniform smile.
Bonding is probably the most conservative of all the cosmetic dentistry. It involves minimum alteration to the original tooth enamel, and is reversible if none of the tooth enamel is removed. The results are seen immediately.
Bonding composite to teeth is a popular option because the material used matches closely to the shade of your natural teeth.
The Procedure
A local anaesthetic is given to numb the tooth and the surrounding tissue – not all bonding procedures require an injection
The tooth will be isolated from the rest of your teeth using a ‘rubber dam’ which is a thin sheet of rubber placed over your mouth. It is used to keep the tooth dry as saliva can compromise the bond of the composite.
The tooth will be thoroughly cleaned. All decay, food debris or tartar will be removed.
The tooth is prepared using a phosphoric-acid-based gel; this roughens the surface of the tooth. A bonding agent (glue) is applied to the roughened surface and set using a concentrated beam of ultraviolet light. The composite is then applied in layers and set at each stage using the ultraviolet light. The composite will be continued to be applied in layers until the desired shape is achieved.
The last stage is to polish the restoration to achieve the final shape and smooth finish.
Dental Crowns
A crown is a tooth shaped cover which fits over the existing structure of your natural tooth to protect and restore the tooth’s function.
Crowns can be used to –
- Strengthen teeth which have been weakened by decay or a large filling.
- Protect fractured, cracked and worn teeth.
Improve the shape, alignment and shade of a tooth. - After root canal treatment, to help strengthen the tooth.
Each crown is individually handcrafted by our dental technician to create a healthy, natural look.
Dental Veneers
A veneer is a thin layer of tooth coloured material which is placed over your natural tooth to mask the underlying enamel.
Veneers are designed to enhance the appearance of your teeth by –
- Masking permanently stained teeth.
- Closing Diastemas – spaces between your teeth.
Straightening misaligned teeth. - Improving the appearance of damaged or broken teeth due to decay or trauma.
The procedure is usually completed in two visits which is a simple and relatively quick route to improve your smile, the first part of the procedure involves the dentist removing a small amount of enamel from the front of your tooth and the second appointment the veneers are fitted into place.
