The Effects Of Dental Bonding On The Look And Feel Of Your Teeth

Mar 7

For discolored, cracked, or chipped teeth, as well as other minor cosmetic dentistry difficulties, dental bonding might be a cost-effective option.

Do you have a tooth that is chipped, broken, or stained? Dental bonding can restore the appearance of your teeth without breaking the bank.

"Bonding is a reasonably affordable technique to do minor dental repairs," explains Kimberly Harms, DDS, a dentist and consumer counselor for the American Dental Association in Farmington, Minn. (ADA). Furthermore, dental bonding is occasionally reimbursed by insurance.

What Is Dental Bonding And How Does It Work?

Dental bonding is a cosmetic dental technique that involves applying a tooth-colored composite material to a tooth, shaping it, hardening it, and polishing it. Because the substance adheres to the tooth, it's called bonding. Dental bonding is great for minor aesthetic dental procedures including repairing a chipped or fractured tooth or bridging tiny gaps between teeth. Because it is more visually pleasing than silver fillings, dental bonding is frequently utilized as a tooth-colored filler for minor cavities.

Your dentist will initially use a little phosphoric acid to roughen and etche the surface of your teeth, which will assist the bonding material remain in place. This procedure is not harmful. The putty-like bonding substance is then moulded and sculpted on the tooth's surface. To assist the material harden and solidify, a specific light is employed. For a flawless finish, the composite is polished and buffed.

Dental Bonding's Advantages And Disadvantages

"Dental bonding is less costly than veneers, but it has disadvantages," Dr. Harms explains.

The following are some of the benefits of dental bonding:

Cost. Dental bonding costs between $300 and $600 per tooth on average. "However, many dental insurance policies cover the majority of the cost of bonding, especially when it's done for structural reasons or to repair a cavity," Harms explains.
Speed. Dental bonding usually only needs one office visit. The complete procedure takes about 30 to 60 minutes per tooth.
Ease. Unless bonding is being utilized to fill a decaying tooth, anesthesia is typically not required. Dental bonding also involves the least amount of enamel removal as compared to veneers and crowns, according to Harms.

Dental bonding has a number of drawbacks, including:

Staining of the bonding substance is possible. Dental bonding, unlike crowns and porcelain veneers, has a propensity to discolor over time. According to Harms, "coffee, tea, red wine, and cigarette smoke can discolor the substance used in dental bonding, making it stand out from the rest of your teeth." You'll need to stay away from these things for 24 to 48 hours after bonding to avoid discoloration. If you smoke, you should choose for a different cosmetic dental procedure. Harms notes, "Because bonding substance is permeable, it will yellow from exposure to cigarette smoke."
Less long-lasting. Furthermore, dental bonding's substance isn't as robust or long-lasting as porcelain veneers and crowns. It is easily chippable. Dental bonding, on the other hand, may last three to seven years with careful maintenance.

When Is Dental Bonding A Good Option?

Dental bonding can assist if you have a small aesthetic dentistry problem, such as a broken or discolored tooth, a gap between your teeth, or silver fillings that show when you smile.

"Dental bonding is also used to reshape or recontour teeth in aesthetic dentistry," explains Harms. Dental bonding, unlike veneers and bleaching, cannot be utilized to whiten your whole smile. Dental bonding can also be used as "white fillings" for minor cavities in teeth that aren't subjected to a lot of biting power, although the material used in dental bonding may not be strong enough for big cavities.

Dental Bonding Maintenance

Because dental bonding is more prone to discoloration and chipping than other types of cosmetic dentistry, it requires extra attention to keep your bonded teeth appearing natural. Here are some suggestions for keeping your dental bonding in great condition:

Reduce your intake of coffee, tea, and red wine.
If you're a smoker, this is a compelling incentive to stop, especially because smoking raises your risk of gum disease and oral cancer.
Avoid biting your nails or chewing on hard items like ice, pencils, or raw carrots since dental bonding is quickly chipped.
If you see any sharp edges or if your teeth feel unusual when you bite down, contact your dentist. Dental bonding may be mended or touched up if necessary, according to Harms.

Because dental bonding necessitates some creative ability for the best cosmetic effects, it's critical to choose a dentist who is familiar with the technique. If you want to see before and after images of your dentist's prior dental bonding patients, don't be afraid to ask.

Dental bonding isn't for everyone, but it may be a quick and low-cost option to enhance your smile. And being pleased with the appearance of your teeth might aid in the maintenance of good dental health.