What Is Tooth Build-Up Treatment
Tooth build-up treatment uses composite bonding resin to rebuild teeth that have become worn, chipped, or fractured over time. The composite material is carefully matched to the shade of your natural teeth and applied directly to the affected areas to restore their shape, function, and appearance.
Teeth can wear down for a number of reasons, including habitual grinding or clenching (bruxism), acid erosion from dietary or medical sources, and general age-related wear. In many cases, the damage occurs gradually and may not be noticed until the teeth become visibly shorter, uneven, or sensitive. At our Croydon dental practice, your dentist can assess the extent of wear and discuss whether a composite build-up may be a suitable option for restoring your teeth.
The Build-Up Procedure
A tooth build-up is typically completed in a single appointment. The procedure is conservative, often preserving the majority of your existing tooth structure. Local anaesthetic may be used if needed to keep you comfortable throughout.
- Assessment — your dentist examines the affected teeth and evaluates the extent of wear, checking your bite and overall tooth condition
- Shade matching — a composite resin shade is selected to closely match the colour of your natural teeth
- Preparation — the tooth surface is gently cleaned and conditioned to help the bonding material adhere
- Layered application — composite resin is applied in thin layers, building up the tooth to the desired shape and size
- Shaping — each layer is carefully shaped to replicate the natural contours and anatomy of the tooth
- Curing — a special light is used to harden each layer of composite as it is placed
- Polish — the finished restoration is smoothed and polished to blend with the surrounding teeth and provide a comfortable bite
When Tooth Build-Up May Be Recommended
Your dentist may suggest a composite build-up in a range of situations where tooth structure has been lost or damaged.
- Worn biting edges — front teeth that have become flattened or shortened through gradual wear
- Chipped front teeth — minor chips or fractures that affect the appearance or function of the tooth
- Uneven tooth surfaces — teeth with irregular edges or surfaces that could benefit from reshaping
- Worn teeth from grinding — loss of tooth structure caused by bruxism or habitual clenching
- Erosion damage — tooth wear resulting from acid exposure, whether dietary, medical, or environmental
If you have noticed changes to the shape or length of your teeth, or if you experience sensitivity related to worn enamel, your dentist at our Croydon practice can assess your situation and discuss whether a build-up or alternative treatment may be appropriate for you.
