Trauma, dietary habits, and genetics can all factor into your teeth becoming chipped, stained or broken. While not all of these issues will impact the functionality of your teeth, the appearance of your smile may be affected.
Even if your teeth haven't been physically damaged, you might still be unhappy with their appearance. Teeth that are misshapen or uneven in length can cause some people to feel insecure.
Is dental bonding the same thing as dental fillings?
Dental fillings and dental bonding are two of the most common treatment options when it comes to restorative and cosmetic dental procedures.
You might wonder if dental bindings and dental fillings are the same. While dental bonding and fillings are similar in some ways, they also have some distinct differences. Cosmetic and restorative issues can be addressed with dental bonding, while fillings are used primarily for restorative purposes.
What is dental bonding?
Dental bonding uses colour-matched composite resin to restore the natural shape of a patient's teeth.
Bonding is a relatively inexpensive way to help restore the look of healthy teeth. This is especially true in cases of minor damage and light decay. It can be used to fix the appearance of chipped teeth as well as discolored teeth, but its benefits are not solely cosmetic.
There are practical uses for dental bonding as well, including protecting tooth roots. Receding gums expose these roots, increasing their vulnerability. Dental bonding can be applied to the teeth to protect the exposed roots, helping reduce sensitivity and the risk of decay.
A bonding procedure will normally take about 30 to 60 minutes. The procedure usually takes only one visit.
What is a dental filling?
Dental fillings can also be characterized as cosmetic, but they are most often used as a restorative treatment. Fillings repair teeth that have damage on the inside due to decay or an accident. Generally, these are stronger than dental bonding.
The good news is that like dental bonding, fillings can mimic the appearance of the natural tooth because they can be made of materials that closely match the colour of your natural teeth.
For back teeth, however, our Coquitlam dentists often recommend getting amalgam (silver) fillings. This is because amalgam is stronger and can better withstand the heavy bite forces of your molars over time than white fillings.