If you have a chipped, broken, or stained tooth, dental bonding can make it look new again, usually without playing havoc on your budget. Dental bonding is a cosmetic procedure that uses a tooth-colored resin that bonds to the teeth.
The composite resin is entirely safe to use. The material that is used can be hardened with a special light and then polished to look like a natural tooth. This allows it to be versatile and used for a wide range of purposes. For many patients, it is a more affordable and faster alternative to porcelain veneers. Dental bonding can be used to repair a decayed, chipped, fractured, or discolored tooth. It can also be used to make teeth appear longer, to close spaces in between teeth, and as an alternative to amalgam fillings.
Benefits
- Often considered the easiest and least expensive cosmetic dental procedure
- Dental bonding is convenient and typically only requires one dental visit
- Anesthesia may not be necessary unless the bonding is being used to fill a decayed tooth
- Dental bonding does not require extensive enamel removal to prepare the tooth
- It is safer because the dental bond is affixed directly to the tooth, which makes a tight seal and prevents bacteria from infiltrating under the filling
- Dental bonding responds better to temperature changes in the mouth, unlike the old silver (amalgam) filling that contract at a higher rate, risking fractures in teeth
- The composite resin does not contain mercury, which is included in the composition of amalgam
- The treatment is tooth-colored making treated teeth almost indistinguishable from the other natural teeth
- Dental bonding does not require special care, just good standard oral hygiene practices
There are some disadvantages to dental bonding. The composite material can become stained. Unlike crowns and porcelain veneers, dental bonding tends to become discolored over time. Also, the composite material used isn’t as strong and long-lasting as porcelain veneers and crowns. With proper care though, dental bonding can last three to ten years.
Dental bonding may not be appropriate in every situation, and your individual oral health needs will dictate its use. However, it can be a quick and inexpensive way to improve your smile.
To learn more about how dental bonding can help enhance the appearance of your teeth and smile, please contact Lundstrom Family Dentistry in Fargo. Dr. Jim Lundstrom will be able to determine if dental bonding is the right treatment for you.