Wednesday, April 28, 2010

What If? Wednesdays

Whatif my child's front tooth breaks?

Repairing a Broken Front Tooth

It can be traumatic when your child breaks a front tooth, but today a broken tooth can be restored to nearly new condition, function and appearance, thanks to new bonding techniques and materials.

Bonding is the artistic placement of a tooth-colored plastic material to restore a misshapen, discolored, or broken tooth. Bonding is a flexible and adaptable means for repairing teeth, as it can restore the appearance and function of one tooth or a number of teeth. And the effects are not merely cosmetic. Bonding protects your child’s teeth from additional wear and damage.

The procedure

Bonding is usually a single-appointment procedure. The first step is the careful selection of the color and type of tooth-colored bonding material, called composite resin, to match the color of your child’s teeth. Next, we lightly reduce the tooth with a dental handpiece, and a conditioning solution is applied to roughen the tooth surface and ensure that the resin will bond to it. Then, we apply the bonding material, sculpt and contour it to the proper shape, and then harden it with a harmless, high-intensity light. Lastly, we smooth and polish the new restoration to a high luster.

What are the alternatives?

Broken front teeth are a common problem among children. They can be unsightly, and may have a negative impact on your child’s self-esteem. The problems don’t end there; a broken tooth may be more susceptible to fractures and decay. Alternative treatments include crowns and veneers, but bonding conserves a maximum amount of tooth structure while providing a terrific-looking result.

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