If you have cracked, chipped, or stained teeth, there are several ways to fix these problems. Dental bonding is one of the simplest and cost-effective ways to restore damaged teeth. Dental bonding is a procedure in which your dentist will apply a tooth-coloured filling material over a damaged tooth to restore its structure, function, and aesthetics. If you want to know more details about cosmetic bonding, this article is for you. So, continue reading to learn everything you need to know about dental bonding. 

What Is Tooth Bonding?

According to the British Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, tooth bonding, also called cosmetic bonding, is a procedure in which a tooth-coloured, composite resin filling is applied to the teeth to improve the appearance and strength of damaged teeth. During this procedure, your dentist will simply remove the damaged tooth structure, followed by thorough washing and drying of the tooth. Afterwards, your dentist will apply a mild acid over the prepared tooth surface to ensure an optimal bond between the filling and the tooth. Next, they will apply composite resin over the tooth, polymerised and hardened in increments using a special light. Finally, the fillings are polished to ensure optimal aesthetics. 

Can Dental Bonding Be Whitened?

Unlike natural teeth, stains on bonded fillings or ceramic restorations cannot be removed through teeth whitening. This is because natural teeth are porous; the bleaching agent penetrates beneath the surface and chemically dissolves the stains. On the other hand, the bleaching agent does not work on composite restorations. Therefore, if someone has stains on their composite fillings, their dentist might remove a thin restoration layer to expose a fresh layer. Alternatively, in the case of deeper stains, the filling may have to be replaced with a fresh one. 

Should I Get Dental Veneers Or Dental Bonding?

Dental bonding is a cost-effective and straightforward method to repair chipped or crooked teeth. Although bonded fillings offer excellent aesthetics and strength, dental veneers provide more benefits. For example, dental veneers are more resistant to staining than bonded filings. Similarly, dental veneers are much more durable than dental bonding, often lasting more than 10-15, compared to 3-5 years for bonding. So, if you’re looking for better aesthetics and durability, veneers are a better option than bonded fillings. 

Which Is Better For Diastema, Dental Bonding Or Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are designed and fabricated in a dental laboratory under precise and controlled conditions. That is why they possess superior aesthetics and strength compared to composite fillings. Therefore, if one is conscious about their appearance and smile, they should consider getting veneers. Furthermore, in the case of a diastema – a condition with excessive gaps between the teeth – it is better to go for veneers. However, bonded fillings can also serve if one has budgetary constraints. 

Is Composite Bonding A Good Option For My Teeth?

Composite resin fillings are tooth coloured; your dentist will match the shade of your filings with that of your natural teeth. As a result, your filings will blend in with your natural teeth and become indistinguishable. Besides, composite fillings are safe for use in the oral cavity as they do not elicit any harmful or allergic reaction. Finally, composite fillings do not need anaesthesia for their placement. Considering all these benefits of teeth bonding, we can safely say that they are good for your teeth. 

How Long Will Front Teeth Bonding Last?

While bonded fillings tend to be quite durable, their clinical service life depends on how quickly they get stained on the front teeth. However, if one ensures optimal oral hygiene through regular brushing and flossing and prevents staining of the fillings by avoiding strong-coloured foods and eating a fibre-rich diet, one can expect their fillings to last for up to 5 years. 

How Long Does Tooth Bonding Last?

The service lifetime of bonded fillings depends on various factors, such as your oral hygiene and dietary habits and the skill of your dentist. However, with proper care, you can expect your composite fillings to last for up to 5 years and even longer if you look after them well. 

Is Tooth Bonding Safe And Permanent?

Tooth bonding is safe. Unlike silver amalgam fillings that are unaesthetic and also carry the risk of mercury toxicity, bonded fillings are safe. They do not contain any ingredients that cause a harmful or toxic reaction within the body. Regarding whether tooth bonding is permanent, it is not. Bonded fillings have a limited clinical lifetime. However, with proper care and oral hygiene maintenance, one can expect them to last up to 5 years or more.  

Can Dental Bonding Be Added To The Back Of Front Teeth?

Bonded fillings can be added to any part or side of a tooth. Whether you have cavities in your front or back teeth or have decay in the tooth root, dental bonding can be used as a cosmetically pleasing technique to restore grossly damaged teeth. Even if you have cavities on the backside of your front teeth, your dentist may consider using teeth bonding to restore the defect. However, dental veneers may be a more suitable option in large cavities or imperfections. 

To enjoy the best aesthetic outcome from dental bonding, you should visit an experienced and qualified dentist. If you are in New Cross area, you shouldn’t visit any place other than Waldron Dental Clinic. We offer high-quality cosmetic and general dental services under one roof. So, request a new patient consultation appointment today and let us give you a smile that you can genuinely be proud of!