What is dental bonding?
Bonding is a procedure that places a composite tooth-like material onto the tooth to build it up and/or alter its shape.
These composites are the solution for restoring teeth and will lighten any stains you may have, close minor gaps and can be used to correct crooked teeth.
Because natural tooth structure is not removed, its best use is somewhat limited to broken or chipped teeth. Over time the bonded portion of a tooth will change color as compared to the natural, unbonded portion of the tooth.
How does the bonding process work?
A very mild etching solution is applied to your teeth to create small ridges in the tooth’s enamel structure. These small ridges slightly roughen the surface which enables the durable resin to bond materials to your teeth.
The resin is then placed on your tooth and high-intensity light cures the resins onto your tooth’s surface – with each individual layer of resin hardening in just minutes. When the last coat has been applied to your tooth, the bonded material is then sculpted to fit your tooth and finely polished.
What is the advantage of bonding?
The advantage of bonding is that it is inexpensive and is an ultra conservative way to restore a tooth.
What is the disadvantage of bonding?
The disadvantage of bonding is that it can and will discolor, it is also more prone to breakage.
A porcelain veneer on the other hand, will not discolor and will be far stronger in the long run. It’s a larger investment and the preparation of the effected tooth will be more extensive, but it is strong and long lasting.