Dental bonding uses a tooth-colored to restore or improve a person’s smile. The procedure can repair chipped or cracked teeth, or be a purely cosmetic option to change the shape or color of a person’s teeth. Whatever the reasons, here is some food for thought to help you decide whether dental bonding is the treatment for you.
What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Dental Bonding?
Advantages:
- Dental bonding is among the easiest and least expensive of cosmetic dental procedures.
- It can usually be completed in one dentist visit.
- A small amount of tooth enamel is removed to place the bonding, unless it is being used to fill a cavity.
- Anesthesia is not normally required.
- Your dental insurance company might fully or partially cover dental bonding.
- Teeth that have dental bonding do not require special dental care, but good oral hygiene practices are recommended.
- Dental bonding materials have a lifespan of 3 to 10 years, depending on your dental habits, before needing to be touched up or replaced.
Disadvantages:
- Dental bonding is not as stain resistant as other dental fixtures, such as a crown.
- Bonding materials are not as strong as crowns, veneers, or fillings and do not last as long.
- Bonding materials can chip and break off the tooth, therefore it is advised not to bite your fingernails or chew on pens, ice, and hard food objects.
- Some dentists only recommend dental bonding for cosmetic changes, such as the correction of tooth shape or to hide tooth discoloration, due to its disadvantages.
It is always best to consult a qualified dentist and discuss your personal needs or cosmetic desires before deciding on a specific procedure. At Arizona Advanced Dental, we are ready to help you decide whether dental bonding is the right choice for you. For more information or to book an appointment, contact our Mesa office today.
