No matter how careful and attentive we are, accidents happen and unfortunately these accidents often involve damage to the teeth like cracks, chips, or breakage. Chips and cracks can happen through sports, biting down on something hard, or simply through tooth weakening or decay that occurs over the years.

A damaged tooth does not always require invasive, uncomfortable, and expensive treatments. As is the case with most dental problems, if you act fast and see your dentist regularly, chips and cracks in the tooth can often be treated using minimally invasive procedures like tooth bonding.

What is tooth bonding?

To repair minor chips and cracks, the cosmetic dentistry team at Lawrence Avenue Dental will use a composite resin material (the same material used in tooth-coloured cavity fillings). One of the main benefits of this material is that it can be custom-made to match the precise colour of your natural teeth.

How does tooth bonding work?

First, your cosmetic dentist will remove any decay and clean the tooth. Then they will apply the composite material in layers to replicate the appearance of natural tooth enamel. The material is then shaped to match the rest of the tooth and cured under a special light to make sure its strong and solid. The last step is to polish the tooth, and then you’re free to leave! All of this can be accomplished in a single visit.

After the repair

Once you’ve gone through the process of repairing a broken tooth, it’s important to amplify your oral hygiene routine and protect your teeth as much as possible.

If you’re into sports, wear a mouthguard. A hockey puck or baseball to the teeth is a common cause of chips or cracks.

If you don’t have a thorough, consistent home-based oral hygiene routine that includes twice daily brushing and regular flossing, it’s time to start. Teeth with thin or decayed enamel are much more likely to chip or crack when an injury occurs compared to teeth that are strong and healthy. Luckily, decay can often be reversed if caught early, and you can prevent it from getting worse by taking good care of your teeth. It’s also extremely important to continue with regular dental visits to give your dentist and team the chance to ensure the tooth repair is holding up well, and to identify any areas likely to chip or crack in the future.

If you have a cracked or chipped tooth and are interested in learning more about dental bonding, call our team today. We’ll schedule an appointment to assess your condition and determine a treatment plan that works for your unique situation.