Chipping a tooth can be a very unpleasant experience. It can be painful and leave the tooth misshapen or with a very sharp edge. Some people may feel self conscious about having a misshapen tooth and want to have it restored to its original shape. Dental bonding can help with this.
What is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding is a process of restoring the natural shape of a tooth using a color matched composite resin that mimics the appearance of the tooth being fixed.
Bonding is a very inexpensive way to restore the look of healthy teeth. This is especially true in cases of accidental damage and light decay.
It is used to fix the appearance of chipped teeth as well as discolored teeth, but its benefits are not solely cosmetic.
There are practical uses for dental bonding as well, including protecting the roots of teeth. Receding gums expose these roots, increasing their vulnerability.
A bonding procedure at your Houston dentist takes about 30 to 60 minutes per tooth. The procedure usually takes only a single visit.
Dental Fillings
Dental fillings can also be cosmetic, but their primary purpose is restorative dentistry. Fillings repair teeth that have damage on the inside due to decay or an accident. Generally, these are stronger than dental bonding.
Dental bonding isn’t as durable as dental fillings. However, it can be a temporary solution thanks to its low cost. Dental fillings will always be a better option for the long term, though.
The good news is that like dental bonding, fillings can mimick the appearance of the host tooth.
For back teeth, however, Houston dentists recommend getting metal fillings. If the filling would be too large for the tooth, a dental crown is better. Metal materials are much stronger and can withstand the heavy bite forces of your molars.
Regardless of which method you opt for, dental bonding and fillings are certainly good options. Both have cosmetic and practical uses. It’s important to weigh the outcome of each option with your Houston dentist before deciding on a particular treatment.
