teeth

How Older Adults can Take care of their Mouth Better 

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When you take care of your teeth, you’ll have them for a lot longer.  This matters at every single age, since healthy mouths means you’re talking, smiling, laughing, and you’re able to keep your teeth for a whole lot longer.  However, as you get older, there are certain things that you can do to help make sure that your teeth are fully taken care of.  Here’s how you can make your teeth last a whole lot longer even when you’re older. 

You may wonder why you should worry about your teeth? Well, teeth are a focal part to overall health and wellness, and if  you take care of it now, it can prevent future issues as well, especially in terms of your own body and wellness. 

As you get older, if you don’t prevent this, it can be a major problem, so be mindful of that when you’re looking for the right type of safety for this, and also, try to make sure that you also look at the overall big picture. 

Tooth Decay 

Tooth decay happens when starches and sugar feed on the teeth, attacking this. If you don’t handle this, it leads to fillings, crowns, extractions, and root canals, which are expensive and not fun. 

Gum disease 

Gum disease is another problem that happens whenever you don’t’ take care of your teeth. Because of the buildup of plaque and the tartar is left there untreated, it gets into the gums, making them swollen with a red color, and bleeding as well. This can get really bad, eventually ruining your gums, bones, and the tissue as well, and in severe gum disease cases, it results in tooth loss as well. 

How to prevent this 

You should definitely make sure that oral care is the main focus, and you should definitely understand it’s not too late for you to start taking care of your teeth. Here’s how you can. 

First, you need to brush your teeth twice daily. Use a soft bristled toothbrush with some fluoride, brushing this for a couple minutes usually.  You may struggle with this if you have arthritis or other conditions. You should talk to a doctor if that’s the case. You may want to use a bland of elastic to attach the toothbrush towards your hand.  You may also benefit from using a sponge and taping it there.  You can also use a toothbrush that’s electric if you do have limited types of mobility. 

Next, you should make sure that you do clean between the teeth every single day. This can be done with a flosser, or a water flosser, otherwise known as an interdental cleaner, since this helps those who struggle to use their hands with it. 

Next, make sure you’re seeing the dentist often. You can find out new and early signs of this decay, and then do something about it. Oral cancer can start in people above the age of 40, so proper dental screenings are imperative during this. Letting the dentist know about swelling you have, soreness of the mouth, or lumps is important. 

Then, make sure you use fluoride. This helps with mineralization. You can also use a rinse with this to help with it. Finally, if you’re going to take care of your teeth, you’ve got to look at the diet. Start to replace the carbs that are unhealthy with healthier foods. Try to eat fibrous foods, and also use the foods that’ll help keep the teeth nice and strong, so hat you’re not ruining the teeth as well. 

Treating Prognathism 

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If you’ve ever seen your kid’s jaw look unaligned, it might be due to the upper or lower parts of the jaw protruding out. This is called prognathism. This is called a sort of overdevelopment of one of the jaw parts, so they’re mismatched, unable to fit correctly. 

This can be a bit frustrating to tell a kid, since they might not understand why their jawbone is so misaligned. But once you have a unique conversation with them, along with a dentist, they’ll be able to get the help that they need to treat prognathism, and the ideal treatment plan for this.

Some may call this an overjet, or an overbite.   If the lower parts of the drawer are producing, this is called underbite. For the most part, it isn’t just the dentist they’re working with, but also the orthodontist, and also maxillofacial surgeons to manage, and fix the issues at hand.

Causes for Prognathism 

While it may just be a genetic reason, it could also be due to various things. Overdevelopment is usually a genetic defect, and a rare condition that underlies all of this. 

One of them is Crouzon syndrome, where the bones within the skull permanently fuse, so it affects the structure of the face.

There’s also nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome, which is a genetic defect that does affect the skin, bones, and your overall nervous system.

Gigantism is another reason, where the child may grow too much, especially height, and that’s due to the imbalance of hormones.

The other one is acromegaly, which is an excessive growth period, but this won’t likely occur until a child reaches adulthood.

When you should see a Professional 

Prognathism isn’t always a problem, but there’s definitely some cosmetic problems that come with the extended jaw that may impact the face shape during birth.

But, if the over or underbite is affecting their jaw shape, and causes problems with biting, chewing, or even talking, then you’ll definitely want to see a pro. The same goes for when a child or adult can’t do normal activities, as this won’t naturally go away unless you do something about it.

Treatments 

Treating this problem involves working directly with the orthodontist, a dentist, and also oral surgeons. 

The dental team might also involve a doctor if the problems of the jaw are related to gigantism and Crouzon syndrome. 

According to the American association of orthodontists, having children seeing orthodontists sooner, rather than down the line, may impact the course of treatment for jaw alignment that’s not normal. 

They do want their child to see an orthodontist as early as seven if they have this condition, as this will be enough time for the professional to look at this.

Before you start any prognathism forms of treatment, the dental team will work with you and the child, in order to ensure that everyone’s on the correct page. 

Communication of this is vital to successful outcomes, since the child will have a tailored course based on their needs. So don’t be shy when working with them and asking questions. a child’s health, especially with this condition is top priority. 

Once they figure out the metal history and all of the nitty gritty, they’ll then look at x-rays and bite imprints.   They then will recommend either orthodontic treatment, or a mouth guard. 

In rare instances, they may recommend orthognathic surgery, where they move the jaws into alignment. But this isn’t usually done until the growth of the jaw stops.   They may use braces before surgery, and then after that in order to ensure that the ideal alignment is it. 

Pre-Implantitis and the Protection of implants 

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Dental implants are wildly successful, with a rate of up to 95%.   There are many replacement options for missing teeth, but this takes the cake. However, just like your own natural teeth, you do need to care for implants so that they last. 

Peri plantains is an infection of the areas around an implant, and they can develop when you’re not careful with the implants and give them what they desire. 

First, what’s a dental Implant 

Dental implants are made to replace your teeth.

There are multiple parts, which include an artificial root made of titanium, and a crown that sits atop this. 

They’ve become a very popular dental prosthetic option, with multiple advantages. 

They include: 

  • Offering you a chance to have a functional bite and an option to chew. 
  • They don’t come loose or slip, unlike of course, dentures. 
  • They look like natural teeth while not developing the activities that are there 

But dental implants are not immune to the buildup of plaque. 

In fact, the accumulation of plaque at the base of your implant is what causes peri-implantitits.   According to the American academy of periodontology, this s a gum infection that happens around your implant, and deteriorates the ties used, along with the bone that surrounds this implant. 

So how common is this? well, about 40% of the implants that are over five years old are susceptible to this. 

When you don’t treat this, it does lead to implant loss, which you have to be careful with. 

Caring for your implant 

The benefits of implants are that they last a few years, and they can save you the expense and disruption of some of the conditions that may happen. 

Now to prevent the inflammation of the area around your implant, you just have to have a good hygiene routine. 

This includes: 

  • Brushing and flossing twice daily. 
  • Depending on where the implant is and the number you have, use interdental brushes or water flossers to help with this 
  • Talk to the dentist and routinely check for healthy gums and bones 
  • Stop smoking. If you do smoke, this increase the chance of implant failure 

If you have diabetes or gum disease, there is a stronger chance of peri-implantitits developing, so talk to your dentist about further steps to take 

You can also prevent further decay on your natural teeth if you do prevent this on the implants. 

Symptoms and Treatment 

Now, if you’re worried you might’ve developed this, here are a few things to keep in mind: 

  • The gums will be tender and inflamed. 
  • They might bleed when you brush 

If you’re worried, you should talk to your dentist to figure out the concerns, and to report all changes during dental visits. If you do develop these symptoms, don’t hesitate to tell your dentist in order to resolve the infection and avoid the instances of implant failure. The treatments of this do vary based on what’s being treated, the implant type, the severity of this, and other small notes. Every treatment has benefits and drawbacks, so find out from our dentist what is right for you. 

Some are more effective when they work well with other treatment options for you too. Some treatments have some good benefits too, and they do work well. 

Antibiotics are the first option, as this can help right around the implant. 

Sometimes, you might need to use mechanical removal. There is also laser therapy for destroying the bacteria at the source. 

Finally of course, there are surgeries that are used as a last resort. 

Crowning front teeth 

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For some people, they might need a dental crown in some cases. In some instances, it may be needed directly on the front teeth.  Some also get crowns for different cosmetic reasons too.

Most normally, crowns are put on teeth for the reasons below: 

  • There’s a lot of damage, including big cracks 
  • It’s super decayed 
  • There’s been a root canal done on it 
  • It’s broken 

When it comes to molars, they usually offer either porcelain or a metal crown, or a combination of both, which has porcelain that’s over the top of metal.

When it comes to front teeth, you might get porcelain or ceramic options for front teeth, as they offer a natural color that’s better than others. 

You may wonder how strong these can be? Well, while porcelain fused to the metal is much stronger, the front teeth don’t require the chewing capabilities that the back teeth do, so durable metal in most cases is not needed.  If you need a specific type of crown, you can always talk to your doctor, and see if they can get you something that will help them. Crowns are great, but always remember that they cannot be a replacement for actual teeth, so make sure that you continue to take care of your teeth as best as you could to keep them nice and healthy for as long as possible. 

Minimizing Front Crown Appearance 

A lot of dentists will match the crowns to one’s natural looking teeth so they’re not out of place. 

However, keep in mind that they won’t be able to be whitened.  You should get a whitening prior to the crown being placed. If it’s matched before they’re whitened, they’ll look much darker than the other teeth.

Hollywood smile with porcelain crowns and veneers

The materials also tend to make sure that you have a look that’s realistic. Porcelain is the most natural looking of these, and usually, this, along with the metal bonded ones are the main choices. However, metal bonds are far less realistic, due to the opaque nature of these. Then there are the tooth colored ones which are the most realistic of them all. 

Caring for this 

Crowns are a little bit fragile, so it’s imperative that you take care of these with as much care as you possibly can. Try to brush this twice a day, especially with some fluoride, and make sure to use floss to clean between each tooth daily. Interdental devices also work for this.

You also need to make sure that you see the dentist as much as you can, to make sure that they’re not damaged, and are completely stable. 

You should always make sure not to crack the crown, because there are habits that are harmless which can crack or chip this porcelain there. biting your nails, chewing on some ice, and using teeth to open things are examples of habits that can harm your teeth.

You should also make sure to avoid anything that stains the teeth, including but not limited to red wine, tea, and coffee.  Also, if you smoke, try not to do that, as this also stains the teeth. While porcelain is not easy to stain, the teeth next to it start to get stained, so the crown will be much more obvious.

If you’re worried about crowns potentially ruining the smile, don’t be. Crowns are great for helping you keep your smile intact. Plus, with the technology we have today, you don’t have to worry about it possibly looking weird, because new precautions are taken every single day to ensure that it’s in place. 

Back to School Oral Care Kits 

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With the school season always a focus for many parents, oral care is something that’s oftentimes not fully looked at, due to the flurry of haircuts, shopping, schedules, and even new seasons. When a child’s starting a new grade, putting together oral care kits for kids is perfect. That way, they’ll be able to walk into classrooms wearing the hottest accessories for the school year: bright, healthy smiles. Different kits vary based on age groups, and you’ll be able to experience your full journey with this. 

Planning these Kits

When putting together these kits, you want to get into good habits first and foremost, so that it sets up the family for success in the long term. 

While the weeks leading up to this feel like they’re forever, you should know that the health of a child is a critical part of starting this calendar. 

When you’re prepared for healthy routines, you’ll be able to kick things off in a strong manner. 

Taking time to schedule dental checkups a month before they begin, and even stocking up on oral hygiene and other items, and even good snacks is good.  It sets them up for a future of bright, healthy smiles. 

Now for kids ages 5 to 8, they probably don’t have a regimen down yet.  But don’t ferret, that’s normal. The simplest solution is to have reminders that’ll help them brush and get them to do this.  getting them to brush for 2 minutes, and then having them do this twice a day, especially before bed, is good. Sticker charts are a great way to keep one on track. 

These oral kits need to include: 

  • New toothbrushes of their choice.  You should make sure to change every quarter, as they are good for remembering to keep them clean 
  • Mild toothpaste with fluoride in them, so that they get a fun, exciting flavor 
  • Flavored floss or even flossing holders 

For kids 8 to 12 years old, they’re preteens, starting at new life stages, and teeth usually start to enter a new stage, which is the braces stage. It’s recommended that children get their first orthodontic checkup at the age of seven or so.  When setting this up, you can also ask your dentist for referrals to orthodontists if you’re worried about teeth alignment. 

When you put together a dental care kit, having these supplies in their gym bag, along with deodorant and shower gel, will help them stay on top of their oral health. 

Finally, you can get them an electric toothbrush. 

Their oral kit should contain: 

  • Battery powered toothbrushes for home, and a soft-bristle toothbrush on the go 
  • Fluoride toothpastes of choice 
  • Flavored floss and a flosser 
  • A small pouch to hold this 

Then at ages 12 to 18, you want to focus on the stress of teenagerhood.  They are definitely something that you’ll want to keep on hand.  You should give them a reminder either in their phone, or even notes. 

Adolescence is usually the best time to focus on keeping the cavities away, and brushing with fluoride types of toothpaste and treatment is good.  You want to make sure that you have good oral care, and also eat a diet that’s healthy and nutritious, in order to give teenagers healthier mouths. 

Their kit must include: 

  • Portable, manual toothbrushes that are good for their gym bags, or even a tongue cleaner 
  • An electric toothbrush that’s battery powered with different settings 
  • Travel mouthwash 
  • Fluoride toothpastes of their choice.  

These are all good for their bags to get them on the right path to oral health and success. 

Effective Ways for Removal of Biofilm 

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Biofilm is that technical term for the plaque that’s on top of the teeth, white and sticky. Removing this biofilm from the tissues and the gums is vital for one’s oral health, and here, we’ll give you the best ways to remove it.

What biofilm is 

This is a layer made up of bacteria that happens inside and outside of the body. It’s a plaque that forms on the teeth and gums, and when not treated, it causes cavities, gingivitis, and gum diseases. 

Plaque does need to be removed because it can create tartar if you’re not careful. This is calculus, which you’re unable to remove at home. So yes, get rid of it now to save your teeth at the dentist. 

With that said, here are some biofilm removal means to use right now! 

Brushing 

The most obvious, but you should brush with  a soft-bristled toothbrush for two minutes, two or three times a day for plaque removal. Most who don’t brush their teeth  are going to very superficially do this, so the biofilm will be there on the gumline and teeth.

Young woman patient at dentist’s office – Closeup picture taken with macro lens

After meals are good, and setting up the timer for two minutes is good. Brush with fluoride toothpaste so that you can reduce the plaque bacteria’s acids that are harmful. It also naturally injects minerals in there that are otherwise removed from your enamel.

When brushing, utilize some short back-and-forth little strokes or circles to clean these outer surfaces, inner parts, and chewing surfaces for all the teeth.

Remember to try to brush around the gumline on the back teeth. These are often skipped, so being diligent about it now will save you a massive headache later on.

Flossing 

Another habit that’s skipped and it should not be, because brushing does not remove everything, since it does build  up between the teeth areas, or underneath the gum line and other harder to reach areas that toothbrushes are limited too.

Flossing once a day with a flosser, interdental brushes, for a water flosser is good.

Some people may struggle with this, but you have to do this. if you’re still having issues, talk about other means, and ask for demonstrations to ensure you’re good. 

Pro cleanings 

Professional cleaners remove bacteria. 

Even when you floss and brush on the regular, you cannot remove the bacteria fully. When that remains on the tooth area, you suffer from gum disease and oral health issues. 

In general, you should get cleaned every six months. They will look and remove the plaque and tartar that are above and below. That way, they can find the hidden plaque and get you cleaned up! 

Mouthwash 

Mouthwash contains a lot of ingredients designed to prevent or get rid of biofilm. Fluoride for example is a huge anti-plaque component, and is used for strengthening the enamel, and protection against your cavities. 

Do this once daily, after tooth brushing, so you don’t fully remove the fluoride added. 

Lifestyle and Diet 

Bacteria love sugars and starches. So yes, if you eat a lot of cake, soda, and candy, you’ll get these. The same goes for chips, crackers, and bread. 

Enjoy all of this in moderation. 

However, also be mindful of other types of harmful activities, such as smoking tobacco, because this messes up the bacteria, and restricts the flow of oxygen to the gums, and makes it easier for the plaque and bacteria to grow. If you’re smoking, try to quit, or use alternative means to help you get off the cigarettes. 

It can be removed. All biofilm has a chance to be gone, but it’s up to you to get rid of it. 

The role of Abutments in Dental Implants 

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When we think about implants, we rarely focus on the nitty gritty. That is, until you’re the one who needs the implant.  Suddenly, you start to look at this and wonder just what abutments are, and why they’re going to be in your mouth. 

If you’re going to replace your teeth, you may wonder what some of the important parts of it are, which we’ll go over here. 

What Abutments are 

Abutments are a connector made of metal, and for dental procedures, they’re put into implants after it’s been healed.  The abutment basically screws directly into the implant, and is the middleman between the implant itself, and the crown, or fake tooth, that’ll be there. 

For those with dental bridges, the crowns are put on two of these abutments, and then are connected to these other teeth that are replaced called pontics, that will sit over the gums. 

Abutments are usually created in labs, made of gold, titanium, zirconia, stainless steel, or even polyester ether ketone.  Placing the abutment is a small procedure, and usually, they’re done with only local anesthesia for pain. 

What are implants 

Well implants are basically metal fixtures that work like tooth roots, and they’re put into the gums and jawbone.  Essentially, they get anchored to your bone through the process of osseointegration where ethe bone gets directly fused to your metal. 

It offers stability to both the abutment and crown, which is on the same level as actual teeth.  It can take up to 12 weeks for these to heal once you get implants. 

If you have a dentist that says that the jawbone isn’t strong or thick enough for support of this implant, then a bone graft might be recommended. In this, oral surgeons take bones from another part of the body or will use synthetic bone in order to attach this directly to the jawbone.  This offers a sturdy support for these replacements until the bone is able to heal tightly around this implant. 

Regardless of Type, you need good Hygiene 

One thing that’s important is regardless of the implant, or a crown or even a bridge, you have to practice good oral hygiene. 

The implants work in the same manner as your regular teeth do, where you’ve got to brush this twice daily, along the gums and then sweep towards where both biting parts of the teeth are. 

Cleaning between the teeth with water flossing or interdental brushes at least daily is important, and you should have tongue scrapers or antimicrobial mouth rinses. 

When you do this, always check with a dentist for a regular appointment, not just for keeping the teeth perfectly right and to get rid of bacteria, but also for the implant’s health.  You should take some x-rays in order to check the bone area around the implant.  You should also look at the gum tissue that’s near this area, ensuring that it’s free from the inflammation which may be there. 

Now that you know a little bit about implants and abutments, you’re in for a treat, and you’ll be able to have good, informed conversations with dentists. Good luck with this, and make sure that if you have replacement teeth, always take care of them like you would with regular teeth, so that they work just like the real thing. With the right care, these replacements can last the rest of your life, which is definitely something to smile about. 

Protect your teeth, and protect them all, so that you can have the best oral health that you can, in the best ways possible. 

A Brief history of Dentistry 

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Dentistry has come a long way, and here, we’ll go over some of the different historical practices that were used, and what was done to take modern dentistry to where it is today.

Ancient Techniques 

Density is actually a very old medical practice, with it dating all the way back to 79000 BC, and seen in the Indus valley.   However, the descriptions of tooth decay were first seen in Sumerian texts. However, these were wrong, and they talked about tooth worms that caused tooth decay. Obviously, that isn’t the case.

However, Aristotle and Hippocrates did write about the treatment of decaying teeth. Back then they used fine-tooth combs, in order to ensure that their teeth were cleaned. These were made from the hair of animals. They also used toothpaste, but tit was a very abrasive product. 

The Middle Ages 

The middle ages saw some dentistry as well, except these were in the form of magic and myths, which have since been disproven.

Back then people thought that teeth were magical items.   They were also used to protect a child from fairies. 

The Europeans did believe that witches would curse people with their teeth, so they would dispose of them either through swallowing, burying, or even burning their teeth. Some fed them to rodents, or were even just thrown out. 

Tooth decay was again thought to be caused by a tooth worm, which they thought burrowed into a tooth like it did with wood.  Some of the remedies for this were interesting.   While some were more normal like burning candles made of eryngo seed and sheep suet near the teeth, others were quite interesting, such as kissing a donkey, as purported by Germanic legend. 

Some even said they should not clean their ears, as the practitioners did advise against cleaning up the ears to prevent this. obviously there was a lot of false information which would not be disproven for another few centuries. 

The Beginning of Modern Dentistry 

Remember the idea of tooth worms? Well that was thought to be a thing until the 1700s! However, in 1530 there was a little medicinal book that talked about the infirmities of the teeth, which was devoted to dentistry.

The first dentists were seen in the 1700s, with Pierre Fauchard in 1723, being the father of modern dental practices.   He wrote a whole comprehensive means for treating and caring for teeth. He was also the first to introduce fillings, and dental prosthesis. He also figured out that sugar and acids were what caused dental decay.

The first dental college was founded about a century later in 1840, and this was the Baltimore college of Dental Surgery, which was something that seemed to be popular back then.   The ADA was formed in the 1860s, 20 years before the first dental practice was founded in Alabama. 

Then of course, the first dental institution and university was the Harvard University Dental School, which they founded back in 1867. 

Colgate was the first to make modern toothpaste, which was made in 1873, and toothbrushes were founded a few years after that. 

The first x-ray was used in 1896, and more systems for crooked teeth developed here. Obviously, when we look at where it’s come today, we have a lot more to work with.

Various cleaning devices that get deep like the cavitron are popular. There’s also various technology to see directly any malicious tissues, such as cancers and growths.   With the evolution of dental care, we see how far it’s come, and how through this constant evolution, we are able to care for more people than ever before. 

Helping children Floss

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One thing that a lot of parents need to teach their child is proper oral care. While brushing twice daily along with flossing come together to reduce tooth decay and gum disease, the one that a lot of children have trouble with is flossing.  You can learn how to help children clean between the teeth with their floss, encouraging them to keep up the habit for the rest of their life. 

When to Start 

Children need to start flossing when enough of the teeth that they have start growing next to one another. Bacteria settle in between the teeth, which leads to tooth decay, and gums which are inflamed. Parents usually have to floss the kid’s teeth usually initially. It’s vital to also be gentle when you do this, as this can sometimes be a bit sore afterwards, and crate gums that are bleeding. Keep it gentle, so that you can teach children the vital nature of this habit. 

Getting Children to Floss Better 

If you’re dealing with a child who is against flossing, or hesitant on doing this, you’re not alone. When you clean between the teeth, this is challenging, but there are a few ways to make it fun for them. 

Close up Young asian boy useing toothpick to clean his teeth on white background.

Some of these include: 

  • Demonstrating the way flossing works 
  • Rewarding correct flossing 
  • Singing different songs 
  • Letting children pick out the products they need to use 

You can show them how flossing removes this debris pretty easily. First, you want to eat snacks including fruit, leafy greens, and the like, something that usually gets stuck between a person’s teeth. You then demonstrate the correct technique for flossing, so you can provide children with a visual on just how this works. Then, you want to make this a habit, by having them put together a calendar that demonstrates their oral care. Whenever they do something correct, they get a sticker. Then, as  they accumulate the stickers, they can get rewards for it. 

Sometimes, singing works too, as it can help get children engaged and excited for flossing. 

Flossing for Kids 

If you’re wondering the best way to floss a child’s teeth, you’re not alone. 

You can actually do this in just four simple steps, provided that the child has enough teeth to make this a reality. In fact, once the floss is there, you can then continue, and from there, build the best means for you to get the results you want. 

  • First, you want to get about 18 or more inches of floss, but not a ton of it. 
  • Wind a bit of floss around the index finger and the thumb, at every single end until there’s a small section of floss a person can use between their fingers. Then, you want to slide this between the teeth of a child.
  • Angle this so that it creates  a C shape that curves around the teeth, sliding the floss along the sides of your teeth, and then underneath the gum line 
  • Using a fresh and new floss section, repeat this each time so that the biofilm and the food doesn’t get put back in there, because that can happen 

If this is hard for them to do, or if it’s not comfortable, the best way for a child to manage this at this point is either water flossers or interdental brushes that clean up the teeth, preventing further discomfort from happening.

With all of this, you as a parent will be able to ensure that the child gets proper care, and they’ll be able to grow with this, building better health habits. 

What Dental Bonding is 

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Accidents happen, and there are tons of ways a tooth may get chipped, and a few ways to repair it. One of them is tooth bonding, or enamel bonding. It’s cost-effective, and good for minor problems that happen with broken teeth.If you have cracked, chipped, decayed, or problems with teeth coloring, bonding might be the best way to get your confidence, and a winning smile back.

What it’s used for 

Bonding is where you get some composite resin on the tooth’s surface to fix it. It’s simple, not expensive, and a cosmetic procedure that’s done in one visit. With lots of dental issues that bonding can fix, it’s good for discolored or chipped teeth.

It also may choose to close the larger spaces between one’s teeth, changing the shape and making them look longer. They are also used in metallic or amalgam fillings to protect the exposed rooted part with gums that are receded. 

How it’s Done

Luckily, bonding is a very simple procedure that requires just one appointment. 

A composite resin made from plastic is placed on the tooth. It’s perfect to mold there, so if you’ve got a newer tooth, it will fit with the smile. 

Here’s the steps that go with the dental bonding procedure. 

  1. First the dentist will clean the tooth in order to create the best bonding surface possible. 
  2. They apply the resin and then shape that bonding material. 
  3. The bonding is then dried with UV light, and shaping takes place 
  4. It’s polished for a natural look, and then they floss it to make sure that it’s smooth. 
  5. It usually takes thirty minutes to an hour to fix this. but if there’s multiple teeth, it takes multiple visits. Most tooth bonding doesn’t require any anesthesia, so you’ll return to daily activities right after the appointment. 

Risks to Bonding  

There are a few risks to this. The main downside is that it will never be as strong naturally as natural teeth, so there is a chance that these can break off, or chip completely. If you’re going in for tooth bonding procedures, it may be time to kick those habits, including biting fingernails, chewing on pen caps, and ice, as they will impact the resin.

Care for bonded Teeth 

How long your bonding lasts depends on what you need done, and habits orally, so it’s vital to give the teeth that are bonded with as much care and attention as the natural teeth might.

Bonding material is very prone to staining, so make sure that you watch how much you consume coffee, tea, wine, and cigarettes. 

Avoid these foods for up to 48 hours after any procedure. If you do have some sharp edges on the teeth, or they feel weird when you bite down. if they fall off or completely chip, contact the dentist immediately. 

How long they last can be anywhere from three to ten years before needing to be repaired or replaced. If you brush your teeth twice daily and interdental flossing, it does extend that dental bonding effectiveness.

These regular visits also keep the mouth healthy, ensuring that the dental bonding is functional. 

Try to avoid eating hard, chewy candies, and don’t pick at the bonding.   When playing sports, protect your teeth with a mouth guard. If you do grind your teeth at night, try to prevent the grinding and damage with a night guard. 

Tooth bonding is pretty affordable, and usually only requires a single appointment. It’s pretty cheap and is usually under a grand. It’s great to get the confidence that you need.