Chipping a tooth is easier to do than you think. While your teeth are naturally strong, they still won’t hold up to damage under certain conditions. Whether it’s a soccer ball or a salad fork, teeth can (and do) chip. That’s where enamel bonding comes in.

Enamel bonding is when a composite resin is used to pave over cracked enamel, fix discolored enamel, or lengthen a tooth that’s shorter than the rest for an even smile. It’s considered cosmetic, but if you have a chip in your tooth, it’s a good idea to have it taken care of right away.

While a chipped tooth can put a dent in your smile, there’s another reason to get it checked out: little cracks today can become major damage and decay tomorrow. We don’t need to tell you that cracked teeth are more susceptible to cavities and tooth loss. That’s why you should fix small problems with your teeth before they become big ones.

If you need enamel bonding done, it’s an in-and-out procedure that doesn’t require anesthesia unless a filling is also involved. Your dentist will apply an enamel resin to match the color of your teeth. About thirty to sixty minutes later, you’re done, with a brighter, enhanced smile.

Keep in mind that enamel bonding isn’t as strong as your natural teeth, so take extra care of your teeth after the procedure. Keep those good oral hygiene habits up, like brushing and flossing regularly. Also, take care when eating hard foods and consider breaking some bad habits that can damage your teeth, like biting your nails. Also, be advised: enamel can stain easier, so go easy on the coffee and if you smoke, quit (for a bunch of other reasons, too).

At Bradley M. Silber, DDS & Associates, our dentists and dental experts are more than happy to answer any questions you have about enamel bonding. Contact us today and schedule an appointment for an easy procedure that will fine-tune your smile.

Make your smile brighter and straighter with enamel shaping. Enamel shaping, also called recontouring, involves removing some tooth enamel to clean up the appearance of your teeth, clean up small cracks, or prevent crowding. It’s considered cosmetic but can prevent small issues from becoming big problems later on. For example, cleaning up teeth that are a little crowded now can save you needing braces or a tooth extraction later on.

Enamel is the tough, hard shell around your teeth that prevents them from being broken or decaying. Shaping the enamel only involves taking a little bit of the enamel off. Your dentist will use instruments that are like the tools used at a routine cleaning. It’s unlikely that you’ll need an anesthetic, but if you feel uncomfortable during the procedure, please let your dentist know.

Enamel shaping is a quick, affordable procedure that can be done with ease. Like enamel bonding, it takes little time, is relatively pain-free, and easy on your wallet.

Our dentists and dental experts at Bradley M. Silber, DDS & Associates are more than happy to answer any queries you may have about enamel shaping. Contact us now and book an appointment for a simple treatment that will improve the look and feel of your smile.