Bonding a Tooth from Scratch

You're missing a front tooth, but strapped for cash - what are your options when you can't afford an implant or permanent bridge? Is bonding even a possibility? Many dentists will suggest patients have a single tooth denture (also known as a "flipper") that is removable. Often times, however, they are uncomfortable and tricky to eat with. In this procedure video, the technique to create a direct composite bonded bridge is shown - tooth bonding at it's most heroic. At our office, the price is less than 4x what it would cost to have a traditional bridge made, and serve as a good transitional (short-medium term) solution to a missing front tooth, so the patient can go out in public while they save for a definitive solution. I'll be the first to admit that these bridges don't look ideal. (and if I'm brutally honest with myself, I really should have chosen a darker colour for this patient's tooth) However, patients are often thrilled with having a tooth back in that area, and these restorations often last way longer than we'd expect (the first time I did this procedure was about 5 years ago, and it's still there!) And while they may be a bit of a hassle to clean (superfloss required), they offer patients a more comfortable alternative to a flipper.