Restorative dentistry is a type of dentistry that helps replace missing or damaged teeth.
Restorative dentistry also includes treatments from other types of dentistry such as endodontics, prosthodontics, and periodontics. Many patients need multifaceted care meaning they might need treatment from more than one specialist.
If you have decayed, broken, or missing teeth restorative dentistry is what you need. Restorative procedures will improve the appearance of your teeth and will help protect your teeth from other oral issues.
Dental bonding is one of the most common dentistry procedures. It has a wide range of functions. Here are five essential things you need to know about dental bonding:
1. Functions of dental bonding
Dental bonding is a procedure that bonds a tooth-colored resin material, called a composite filling, to a tooth. It’s used for broken, chipped, cracked, or decayed teeth to restore their structure and appearance.
Fillings are considered one of the most common types of dental bonding. A filling is used to fill in a cavity in a tooth caused by decay. Fillings protect the tooth from decay and damage to the pulp.
2. Dental bonding for crooked teeth
Dental bonding can improve the appearance of slightly crooked teeth. Your dentist will add some resin to the necessary areas. This material hides or masquerades misaligned teeth, improving the appearance of your smile.
But remember that composite bonding is only effective for correcting minor position problems. If your teeth are more severely misaligned, you might need orthodontic treatment before bonding.
3. Dental bonding for bottom teeth
Dental bonding can also improve the aesthetic of the bottom teeth. But some factors need to be considered before performing this procedure, for instance, your bite and how your top and bottom teeth meet.
If you have bruxism or teeth grinding, dental bonding is not a good option for you since the composite resin is not strong enough to resist such forces and might fracture.
4. Dental bonding vs veneers
Composite bondings and veneers are two different things that need to be considered by both your dentist and you before getting any treatment. Both of these options can improve your smile.
Composite bonding is a non-invasive procedure that requires no drilling and doesn’t cause permanent damage to the natural teeth. Dental bonding offers immediate results and is cheaper than porcelain veneers.
Veneers are irreversible, your doctor will drill your teeth to make them perfectly fit veneers. Porcelain veneers typically last for about 15 to 20 years, at which point they'll need to be replaced. Porcelain veneers are significantly more resistant than composite bondings.
5. Disadvantages of dental bonding
There are some disadvantages of dental bonding to consider before getting the procedure:
- The composite resin used in dental bonding is much weaker than the materials used in crowns, veneers, and silver fillings.
- A dental bond is temporary and usually lasts from 2 to 10 years. Unfortunately, bonds don’t last as long as veneers, crowns, or silver fillings.
- Dental is not your option if you have a cavity that is too big to fill. In this case, you might need a crown.
- The composite resin is not completely resistant.
You need to know the advantages and disadvantages of dental bonding to decide which treatment option is best for you. Many dentists think that dental bonding is the best option for small, cosmetic procedures. But every mouth is different, that’s why you need to talk to your family dentist about what option is best for your teeth.