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When it comes to cosmetic dentistry, there are many different ways to restore a tooth. There are more substantial methods such as a dental implant or a crown. Then there are the less invasive methods that can usually be done in a single visit. One of these quicker methods is dental bonding.

While it’s extremely effective at restoring teeth, it isn’t completely free of drawbacks. If you’re considering cosmetic or restorative treatment in the future, your dentist in Oak Hill wants to make sure you stay an informed consumer.

WHAT IS DENTAL BONDING?

Bonding is a dental procedure commonly used by dentists around the country. It’s the process of using composite resin to repair and replace parts of damaged teeth. This most often occurs as a result of tooth decay. Because of composite resin’s unique composition, it can easily integrate with natural teeth, making the bond strong and stable.

For cosmetic purposes, bonding is most commonly used to treat small chips on the tooth surface, sealing gaps between teeth, covering discoloration, and other small adjustments to the teeth’s size, shape, and color. However, it can also be used for more restorative purposes, like restoring small areas caused by cavities and covering exposed tooth roots.

WHAT ARE THE POSITIVES OF BONDING?

The many benefits that accompany bonding are exactly why dentists use them every day. The resin can be custom-designed to match the exact shade of your tooth, making it esthetically pleasing. It’s also considered to be a much cheaper alternative to dental restoration compared to crowns or veneers. It also preserves the natural tooth because it doesn’t require buffing the tooth to use.

Bonding doesn’t require anesthetics because it doesn’t cause any discomfort, except in the instance where a cavity is being cleaned and filled. It’s also considered to be non-invasive, so the dentist won’t have to slice or cut any part of your oral tissue to get the job done.

WHAT ARE THE NEGATIVES?

While bonding is very convenient for dentists and patients alike, it isn’t perfect. For example, if you consume a lot of foods that are known for staining, bonding won’t resist those stains as well as a crown or porcelain veneer. If you suffer from bruxism, or chronic teeth grinding, it can cause the bonding to easily chip or crack. This can also occur if you bite into a hard, inedible item, such as a pen or bottle cap.

In some cases, the entire bond can come off in one large piece. This is a common result of trauma or high impact and can be replaced by your dentist. If you have large areas that need filling, bonding is not recommended. The larger the surface is, the more likely the bond will crack and deform over time, so reserve the use of bonding for small areas and imperfections.

Not sure if bonding is right for you? Contact your Oak Hill dentist to schedule an appointment and learn more about bonding treatments!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Jack Fan attended the University of California at San Diego for his undergraduate studies before enrolling at New York University College of Dentistry. There, he earned his Doctorate and eventually completed his General Practice Residency at LIJ Medical center in Queens. To learn more about his practice and other cosmetic treatments, contact him at (512) 361-4288 or visit his website.