At BridgeView Dental, we offer a range of cosmetic dentistry procedures to help you smile with confidence. If you are looking for a simple cosmetic procedure that can correct a variety of aesthetic concerns and improve the appearance of your teeth, then you might consider dental bonding. Understanding the pros and cons of dental bonding can help determine if this cosmetic procedure is right for you.
Benefits of Dental Bonding
There several advantages to having dental bonding performed.
The first is that bonding is a relatively simple process. The entire treatment can often be completed in one visit. During the procedure, a tooth-colored resin is applied to the surface of your teeth, shaped, and then hardened into place using a special light. Anesthesia is generally not required because the process is non-invasive. There is no recovery time, which makes this procedure an ideal choice for busy individuals.
Dental bonding is also less expensive than other cosmetic dental procedures, such as porcelain veneers. Veneers typically have higher costs because they often require multiple dental visits to apply tooth coverings that are custom-made.
Another benefit of dental bonding is that it requires less surface preparation than veneers. For dental bonding, the surface of your tooth is lightly scratched before the resin is applied. With veneers, a thin layer of enamel is removed from the surface of your teeth to make room for the porcelain shell.
Dental bonding offers very natural-looking results. The color of the resin is shade-matched to the color of your teeth to help the material blend in. The resin is also polished after it hardens to help it match the shine of your natural teeth.
Dental bonding is a versatile procedure that can improve multiple cosmetic concerns including:
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Short teeth
- Misshapen teeth
- Discoloration
When to Consider other Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures
While dental bonding can quickly correct a variety of aesthetic concerns, there are several things to keep in mind when weighing your cosmetic dentistry options. Dental bonding may not be as effective as other options when it comes to:
- Staining: While the resin material used for bonding is stain-resistant, it can stain over time and does not stand up to discoloration as well as porcelain veneers.
- Strength: Dental bonding is ideal for treating areas of low bite pressure, such as your front teeth. However, areas that experience more pressure may benefit from a different procedure.
- Longevity: Dental bonding can last up to 10 years with proper care. However, porcelain veneers offer better longevity as they often last up to 15 years or more.
- Protection: Dental bonding adheres to the surface of your tooth but does not protect the tooth from future damage. Crowns can correct cosmetic concerns while offering protection because they surround the entire tooth.
Contact our Experienced Austin Dentist
Our experienced dentist Dr. Lance Loveless will consider your goals and the health of your teeth to decide the best cosmetic dentistry treatment for you. Schedule a free initial cosmetic consultation by calling 512-347-8299. We proudly serve Austin, Round Rock, and nearby areas of Texas.