Dental Bonding, Veneers, and Fillings

Dental bonding is a restorative measure that fixes a tooth which has been fractured or chipped as a result of decay or an accident.

There are a couple types of bonding that can be used, composite resin and veneer bonding.

Composite Resin or Veneer?

Which method is the best for you? That depends on a few factors. Cost, strength, and maintenance all affect how well your dental bonding will perform and how long it will last.

Composite resins are a low cost method for bonding teeth, and the ability to color match them to teeth make them a favorable option for patients wanting some minor restoration at an affordable price.

These resins are best for teeth that have little damage or are discolored, and preferably on teeth that are not subjected to high bite pressures.

Veneers take longer to produce because a cast of the patient’s mouth is required to create a veneer that fits comfortably and securely. Veneers can be made from composite resin or porcelain, with porcelain being more durable.

Of course, this means that porcelain veneers are more costly, but with proper care, they can certainly outlast a composite resin bond or veneer.

Prolonging Your Dental Bond or Veneer

Veneers will certainly last longer than dental bonding, but a dental bond that is well taken care of can last up to 10 years.

The care involved includes maintaining a healthy oral hygiene routine and clearing out plaque regularly. A bi-yearly visit to the dentist is also a top notch idea.

Additionally, for people who use their teeth to open packages, chew ice or popcorn seeds, eat hard candies, or bite their nails can cause damage to dental bonding and veneers.

Dental Bonding or Fillings?

If a tooth has been badly damaged by decay or an accident, especially with a particularly deep fissure, a filling in more likely necessary.

Fillings function as a dental bond by keeping the tooth together, but they are much stronger than a dental bond and can be used as easily as regular teeth would.

This comes from the filling strengthening the tooth from the inside. This results in a much stronger bond that can possibly last a lifetime.