Composite Bonding for Chipped Teeth Near St. Clair Hamilton ON

A small chip can make a tooth look uneven, feel sharp against your lip, or leave you worried that it will get worse. I help Hamilton patients restore chipped teeth with conservative, natural-looking solutions that protect healthy enamel, feel comfortable, and blend in with your smile, often in a single visit.

What composite bonding is and why it works so well for chips

I am Dr. Susan Pan, and I care deeply about helping Hamilton-area patients feel comfortable with their dental care choices. Composite bonding is a tooth-coloured resin that I carefully shape and polish directly on the tooth to rebuild the missing edge or corner. Because it bonds to enamel, it can be a very conservative way to restore a chipped tooth.

For many small to moderate chips, bonding can restore appearance and function without removing much tooth structure. It also gives immediate improvement, especially when the chip is visible when you talk or smile.

Common reasons teeth chip and what to watch for

Chips can happen from everyday situations, such as biting unexpectedly on something hard, a sports impact, a fall, or existing wear that weakens the edge of a tooth. If you clench or grind, the front teeth can become more vulnerable over time.

I recommend booking promptly if you notice sharpness, increasing sensitivity, a crack line, or if a chunk keeps breaking off. Those signs can mean the tooth needs more than a simple surface repair.

Am I a good candidate for bonding?

Many people are great candidates, especially when the chip is limited to the enamel or a small portion of the tooth. Bonding is often ideal for repairing front teeth, smoothing rough edges, closing small gaps, or improving minor shape irregularities.

If the tooth has a deep fracture, heavy biting forces, or significant decay, I may recommend a different restoration to keep the tooth stable long-term. In my practice, I assess your bite, the size and location of the chip, and your habits, then explain the options in plain language.

What to expect at your appointment at Excel Dental

At Excel Dental, I start by examining the tooth and taking X-rays if needed to check the root and surrounding bone. If the chip is small and straightforward, treatment can often be completed in one visit.

I match the shade to your natural tooth colour, prepare the surface gently, then apply bonding material in layers. After shaping the tooth to look natural, I polish it so it feels smooth and blends with the surrounding enamel. Before you leave, I check your bite carefully so the repaired edge is not taking extra pressure.

Comfort, safety, and how long bonding can last

Bonding is typically comfortable. For many chips, little to no freezing is needed, but I will always prioritize your comfort and can numb the area if it will make the visit easier.

How long bonding lasts depends on where the repair is, your bite, and how you care for it. In general, bonding can last several years, and sometimes longer, with good habits and regular checkups. If it chips or stains over time, it can often be repaired or refreshed without starting from scratch.

Caring for a bonded tooth

Bonded teeth should be treated like natural teeth, with a few practical precautions:

• Brush twice daily with a soft toothbrush and floss daily
• Avoid biting directly into very hard foods with the repaired edge
• If you grind or clench, I may recommend a custom night guard to protect your teeth and the bonding
• Keep regular cleanings so I can monitor the repair and polish staining when appropriate

If the bonded area ever feels rough or catches floss, let me know so I can smooth it quickly.

Composite bonding compared with other cosmetic and restorative options

Bonding is one option among several, and the best choice depends on the size of the chip, the tooth’s strength, and your goals.

For small chips, bonding is often the most conservative approach. For larger breaks or teeth that take strong biting forces, a lab-made restoration may provide more coverage and durability. If colour is a major concern, other cosmetic treatments may be discussed so the final result looks consistent across the smile.

Cost and insurance basics in Ontario

Fees vary based on the size of the chip, how many surfaces are involved, and whether additional imaging or treatment is needed. If you have dental insurance, coverage for bonding may depend on whether it is considered restorative (repairing a fracture) or cosmetic (improving appearance).

My team can help you understand typical coverage patterns, submit estimates when appropriate, and review any out-of-pocket costs before treatment begins.

FAQ

Is bonding a good option for a front tooth chip?
Yes, very often. In my practice, front-tooth chips are one of the most common reasons I place composite bonding because it can look natural and preserve tooth structure.

Does the bonding procedure hurt?
Most patients find it very comfortable. I can numb the tooth if the chip is sensitive or if you prefer freezing.

How long does bonding take?
A single tooth repair is often completed in about one appointment. The exact time depends on the size and complexity of the chip and how much shaping is needed for the bite.

Will the bonded area look different from my real tooth?
I take shade matching and polishing seriously. When bonding is done carefully, it typically blends very well with the surrounding enamel.

Can bonded teeth stain?
They can pick up stain over time, especially with frequent coffee, tea, red wine, or smoking. I recommend good home care and regular cleanings, and I can often polish minor staining.

What if the bonding chips again?
It can usually be repaired. If it keeps chipping, I look for underlying causes like bite pressure or grinding and address those to protect the tooth.

Is bonding stronger than a filling?
Bonding material is similar to tooth-coloured filling material. The strength depends on where it is placed and how forces hit the tooth. Bite adjustment and good habits make a big difference.

Do I need to avoid certain foods after bonding?
You can eat normally, but I recommend avoiding biting hard items directly with the repaired edge (for example, ice or hard candy). If you grind, a night guard can help protect the repair.

Will I need an X-ray for a chipped tooth?
Sometimes. I recommend an X-ray if the chip was from trauma, if you have sensitivity, or if I need to rule out a deeper crack or root issue.

Can bonding fix a tooth that is both chipped and uneven?
Often, yes. I can rebuild the chipped area and refine the shape so the tooth looks more even with the neighbouring teeth.

More Information

For trustworthy Canadian guidance on oral health, prevention, and common dental treatments, I recommend the Ontario Dental Association (https://www.oda.ca) and the Canadian Dental Association (https://www.cda-adc.ca). For information on public dental programs and eligibility in Ontario, the provincial dental care page is also helpful (https://www.ontario.ca/page/dental-care). These resources can support you in understanding coverage, prevention, and when to seek care.

If you have a chipped tooth and want a natural-looking, conservative repair, call Excel Dental at 905-529-2164 to book an appointment at 49 East Avenue South, Hamilton, ON L8N 2T5.