Dental Crystals Treatment and Care

The application process typically takes 15 to 20 minutes and involves several precision steps.

1. Prophylaxis and Site Preparation

• Cleaning: The tooth surface is thoroughly cleaned with a fluoride-free pumice paste using a rubber cup. This removes the salivary pellicle (a protein film) and any plaque that would interfere with bonding.
• Shade Selection: While not applicable for the crystal itself, the dentist ensures the tooth is clean to showcase the gem against the natural enamel color.

2. Isolation and Moisture Control

• Critical Step: Adhesion is extremely sensitive to moisture. Even microscopic amounts of saliva or breath humidity can compromise the bond strength.
• Technique: A cheek retractor is placed to pull the lips away. Cotton rolls and dry angles are positioned to absorb saliva. In some cases, a light-cured gingival barrier may be used to protect the gums.

3. Acid Etching (Conditioning)

• Application: A 37% phosphoric acid gel (usually blue) is applied to a specific, small circular area on the enamel where the crystal will sit.
• Action: The acid is left for 20 to 60 seconds. It dissolves the mineral matrix of the enamel, creating microscopic pores and a rough surface topography.
• Rinsing: The acid is rinsed off with water, and the tooth is dried with oil-free air. The etched area appears “frosty” or chalky white, indicating it is ready for bonding.

4. Adhesive Application

• Bonding Agent: A liquid bonding resin (primer/adhesive) is applied to the etched enamel. This fluid flows into the microscopic pores created by the acid.
• Polymerization: A curing light (blue light) is used for 10-20 seconds to harden this initial layer, creating a “hybrid layer” that is mechanically interlocked with the tooth.

5. Crystal Placement

• Composite Resin: A small amount of flowable composite resin (the luting agent) is placed on the tooth or the back of the crystal. This resin is usually transparent, allowing the natural tooth color to show through the crystal.
• Positioning: Using a special applicator or tweezers, the crystal is placed into the resin. The dentist makes final micro-adjustments to the position and presses it gently to ensure complete adaptation.
• Final Curing: The curing light is applied from multiple angles (facial, incisal, mesial, and distal) for 40 to 60 seconds to ensure the resin is fully polymerized and hardened.

6. Finishing and Polishing

• Resin Removal: Any excess resin that may have squeezed out around the base of the crystal is carefully removed with a scaler or finishing bur to prevent plaque retention.

Polishing: The area is polished to ensure a smooth transition from tooth to gem.