Do you have one or more cracked, chipped or otherwise broken teeth? Then you would probably like to fix them – in only one visit to the dentist’s office, with zero need for anesthesia or surgery, and without having any part of your teeth removed. Fortunately, cosmetic dentistry offers just the procedure you’re hoping for: dental bonding!
What Is Dental Bonding?
When a wall in your home gets lightly damaged, you don’t replace the whole thing. You just fill in the damage with spackling.
When your car door gets a minor scratch or hole, you don’t replace it, either. You just fill in the damage with putty – perhaps even Bondo.
When your teeth only have small chips, gaps, or other imperfections, what do you do? That’s right: you keep them right where they belong, and fill in the damage with composite resin.
The composite resin used in dental bonding is technically a type of plastic. The pliant material perfectly molds to damaged surfaces of teeth, leaving no space for bacteria to develop in. The composite resin is easy to apply, and creates a flawless facsimile of a healthy tooth’s enamel. It can also be colored to look exactly like the surrounding tooth. If someone had a magnifying glass and your permission to inspect your teeth, they still couldn’t tell which ones were bonded.
Pros & Cons of Dental Bonding
It’s quick. It’s convenient. It’s painless. It looks great. But bonding offers even more benefits. Unlike a bridge or veneer, there is no need to grind down or remove any part of the natural tooth prior to the bonding procedure. All your healthy tooth enamel will stay intact. Better yet, bonding costs significantly less than other cosmetic dental procedures, including bridges, veneers and crowns.
But those more invasive and expensive procedures do exist for good reason. Bonding isn’t suitable for a tooth that is extensively decayed or otherwise damaged. If you want to completely restore an existing tooth without pulling it out, then a crown is probably your better option. And if you want to correct multiple teeth that are damaged, discolored and/or crooked, then a veneer may achieve your goal better than bonding.
As cosmetic dental treatments go, bonding isn’t as durable, stain resistant or long lasting.
Bonding resin is relatively strong, although it isn’t as resilient as the porcelain commonly used to make veneers and crowns. It is also weaker than natural tooth enamel, which is why you’re advised to avoid eating hard or sticky foods after receiving the treatment.
Bonding resin is more porous than porcelain or tooth enamel. That’s why it stains more easily when it is exposed to berries, tomato juice, and other foods, beverages and substances which normally discolor natural teeth.
Bonding resin doesn’t last as long as porcelain. A veneer lasts for around 15 years. So too does a crown, with proper care. But if you choose bonding, you will need to revisit the dentist in about 10 years.
Keep in mind that we’re only pointing out bonding’s disadvantages relative to procedures that (A) cost more, and (B) require some removal of your natural teeth. If you’re only looking to correct surface-level damage to your teeth, then bonding is very likely to be your most cost-effective and convenient option.
And we’re here to help! If you’re dissatisfied with your smile for any reason – and you live in the greater Logan, UT area – then All About Teeth is standing by to set things straight. We welcome you to contact us today to schedule your consultation!
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