Dental bonding is a very versatile treatment used to correct an array of smile flaws, so you can enjoy a picture-perfect smile without extensive dental work. The key is knowing when bonding is a good solution, and when an alternative treatment, such as veneers, is a better choice.
At Novi Family Dentistry in Novi, Michigan, Abir Faraj, DDS, uses her technical and aesthetic skills to create custom restorations for beautiful smiles. Here’s how to tell if dental bonding is right for you.
Dental bonding is a process in which composite resin is tinted and molded to enhance the look and integrity of a tooth. Initially a thick liquid, the resin material is applied in layers and cured with a special light that hardens it.
During a bonding treatment, Dr. Faraj treats the tooth with an agent that roughens the surface, allowing the bonding material to adhere better. Then, she mixes the bonding material to just the right shade, applies it, and shapes it for a perfect result.
Dental bonding has lots of uses, and it’s frequently relied on to treat problems like:
Bonding can also be used to replace dark metal (amalgam) fillings, restoring the healthy appearance of a tooth.
In addition to improving the way your smile looks, the bonding material can help strengthen teeth damaged by cracks or chips. By sealing these imperfections, the bonding material can help prevent decay or breakage in the future.
Until veneers came along, dental bonding was the go-to solution for lots of cosmetic flaws. Veneers — which are thin shells made of porcelain that go on the fronts of teeth — do have their strong points. However, dental bonding remains a popular option. The following are a few of the pros and cons regarding bonding and veneers.
Dental bonding can be completed in a single visit, so you can repair smile defects in the morning and be ready to flash your new and improved smile the same evening. Veneers usually take two appointments: One to prepare the tooth and a second visit several weeks later to apply the veneer.
With a veneer, Dr. Faraj needs to remove some of your natural tooth material in order to make room for the veneer’s thickness. That means veneers are essentially irreversible. Bonding is applied to the tooth surface, leaving your tooth intact and undamaged.
Because veneers are made of porcelain, they can last 20 years — and sometimes longer. They’re also pretty much impermeable, which means they’re really good at resisting staining. Dental bonding material is strong, but not as strong as veneers. You can expect them to last up to a decade with good care. They’re also not as resistant to stains and discoloration.
One of the biggest reasons people choose bonding over veneers is the price point. Dental bonding is more budget friendly, often costing a fraction of the price of veneers.
Even “minor” dental flaws can take a big toll on your self-confidence. Dental bonding can correct your flaws quickly and effectively and give you a beautiful smile.
To learn more about dental bonding, call 248-418-4542 or book an appointment online with Novi Family Dentistry today.
