Tooth bonding is a cosmetic dentistry procedure which is ideally suited for people who have chipped, cracked, discolored or misaligned teeth. A tooth bonding procedure typically includes the application of an enamel-colored, composite material over the damaged surface of the tooth. This composite resin is shaped, hardened and polished in such a manner that the shortcomings of your tooth are either minimized or completely concealed.

Tooth bonding is an effective procedure for aligning your teeth. However, there are alternatives to this treatment. You can decide whether this option is right for you based on the results that you are expecting from the procedure. The alternative options include veneers, crowns, and aligners. For this article, we are going to focus on teeth bonding, and the various benefits and risks associated with going for this procedure. Read on further for more clarity:

Pros of Teeth Bonding

Cost Efficiency

Tooth bonding is a relatively cost-efficient option as compared to other restorative dental procedures. This is why it is usually preferred over veneers and crowns. Porcelain veneers, in particular, are the most expensive of these procedures which also require regular maintenance.

Control over Color Preference

The dentists have complete control over the color of the composite resin material used. This is especially useful because the dental expert could then try and match the color of the composite resin to the color of your existing teeth. This adds a layer of subtlety to the treatment.

Painless Procedure

Tooth bonding is a completely painless procedure and does not require the use of anesthesia to relax your nerves. Anesthesia is only used when the dentist aims to clean the cavity which has formed in your teeth, and the procedure of bonding is usually painless.

Retention of Tooth Material

Usually none of your original tooth material is trimmed off in a teeth bonding procedure. However, in the case of other alternatives such as veneers and crowns, a substantial amount of material is trimmed off.

Cons of Teeth Bonding

Staining

Unlike its alternatives such as veneers and crowns, tooth bonding is unable to prevent further staining. Hence having beverages such as wine and coffee could lead to gradual discoloration of your teeth, unlike veneers which protect your teeth from discoloring.

Cracking

The composite resin material is hardly made of steel and is naturally susceptible to cracking and chipping. Having hard substances and bad habits such as biting your nails, grinding the teeth, and using teeth as an opener can damage the composite material further

Limitations in Application

Tooth bonding is not advisable in case of multiple lost teeth or fractures which expose the pulp. The bonding material is likely to crack or deform under the weight of this added pressure.

Should you opt for a teeth bonding procedure? It depends highly on the specific nature of your condition, your budgetary expectations, and the functional preferences. This is why you should visit a dental clinic such as Edmonton Smiles to diagnose the problem and determine the right course of treatment. Edmonton Smiles offers many other alternate cosmetic dentistry procedures such as porcelain veneers and dental crowns as well. This keeps all options fairly accessible based on suitability.

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