by Sandra Sheridan

Created on: May 03, 2011   Last Updated: August 04, 2011

Do you want to improve your appearance, reduce exposed root sensitivity or replace a visible filling? Dental bonding is an increasingly popular procedure that can address cosmetic and structural issues of your teeth. Weigh the advantages and disadvantages of dental bonding to determine if this is the best course of action for your appearance and dental health.

Understanding the dental bonding process

Small-scale bonding can be accomplished in a few simple steps. Your dentist will use a shade guide to assure that the composite resin filling will match your natural tooth color. Next, a mild etching solution will roughen the tooth to prepare the surface for effective bonding. Then the resin is applied, properly shaped to your tooth and subjected to ultraviolet light or laser to set a durable bond. Several layers may be applied to achieve the desired shape. Finally, the dentist will polish the surface to match the natural luster of your own enamel.  Voila!  Your smile is improved, confidence restored and dental health enhanced.

Large-scale bonding may be needed to achieve greater durability for the treated area. During two visits, your dentist will take a mold of the tooth and insert a temporary filling. On your return, a customized tooth-colored porcelain bond, created in a dental lab, will replace the temporary filling. For complete information, visit MedicineNet.com or AboutCosmeticDentistry.com.

Advantages of dental bonding

As an easy and relatively inexpensive option, dental bonding offers a non-invasive procedure that can be accomplished in one or two office appointments, depending on the number of teeth to be treated and the extent of the area to be filled. Compared with customized tooth veneers and crowns, dental bonding requires only minor etching of the tooth surface and less removal of enamel. Unless teeth are very sensitive or a cavity must be filled, no anesthesia is required. 

Bonding can ease the discomfort of roots that have been exposed by gum recession. And it is an effective procedure to fill gaps, replace unsightly amalgam fillings or cover discoloration of the teeth. Naturally, bonding is more attractive than silver fillings for front or visible teeth, and the composite resin expands like your teeth to lessen the possibility of cracks in your tooth. More important, resin fillings require only the removal of decayed tooth to achieve the bond. Since silver fillings do not stick to teeth, your dentist must remove healthy tooth structure to keep the amalgam filling in place.

Disadvantages of dental bonding

Though the composite resin used in bonding is stain resistant, it is not as effective as crowns in resisting stains. Smokers and heavy coffee drinkers should understand that bonding may yellow over time. Bonding materials may have less strength or be less effective in areas requiring increased durability (such as high bite-pressure areas). For bonding performed only for cosmetic purposes, insurance providers will not cover the roughly $400- to $600-per-tooth cost.  If bonding involves structural treatment, providers generally will cover costs.

Smile with confidence!

If unsightly dental problems rob you of confidence and cause you to hide your smile, dental bonding could be the ideal solution for you. If finances are an issue, you may want to schedule bondings over a period of time that works with your budget. 

You need only review on-line case studies and before and after photos to see the dramatic difference cosmetic dentistry can make. Then, only you can decide if the advantages outweigh the disadvantages and if the investment needed will be worth the result.

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