Dental Bonding Benefits and Risks
Dental bonding is a cosmetic dentistry treatment that is used to repair cracked or chipped teeth, fill in gaps, and cover stains. During treatment, your dentist applies a tooth colored resin to the tooth and molds it in place to improve the appearance of patients' smiles.
The dental bonding procedure offers a number of benefits to patients, including improved aesthetics and increased function. Further it is associated with few risks, making it an excellent treatment option for cosmetic dentistry patients. Read on to learn more about the benefits and risks of the dental bonding procedure.
The Advantages of Dental Bonding Treatment
The dental bonding procedure offers a number of benefits for patients, including:
- Treatment can typically be performed in as little as one dental appointment
- Less expensive than alternative treatments such as porcelain veneers, professional teeth whitening, and dental fillings
- Improves the appearance of gapped, chipped, cracked, and discolored teeth
- Can be used to replace silver fillings for a more natural looking restoration
- Preserves the existing tooth
- Causes little to no pain
- Dental bonding materials typically last about 10 to 15 years
- Unlike dental fillings, the bonding materials expand and contract with the tooth, making it less likely to crack or cause damage to the surrounding tooth
Dental Bonding Risks
In general, the cosmetic dental bonding procedure is considered safe for patients. However, dental materials will eventually wear down over time, and the treatment is associated with some risks and side effects that patients should be aware of. Below is an overview of the dental bonding treatment, as well as alternative treatment options.
Risk of Dental Decay or Infection
When dentists perform treatments, additional bacteria enter the patient's mouth; this increases the patient's risk of developing dental decay and damage.
Wearing Down of the Bonding Material
The materials used during the dental bonding procedure are not as strong or stain resistant as those used in dental restorations. It is important that patients understand that the bonding material may chip, break, or yellow after several years. Some patients may need to have their dental bonding procedure redone within a year or two, while in others the bonding material lasts for 10 years or more. Choosing a talented cosmetic dentist, avoiding crunchy foods and sticky foods, abstaining from chewing on your fingernails or pen, and maintaining good dental habits can help your dental bonding material last as long as possible.
Allergies to Bonding Materials or Anesthetic
While the risk of allergies to dental materials is low, it is possible that patients are allergic to the bonding solution, Novocain, or other dental materials that are used during treatment.
Contact a Cosmetic Dentist
If you are interested in undergoing dental bonding treatment to improve the health and beauty of your smile, contact a local dentist to schedule a consultation and learn more about the risks, benefits, and cost of treatment. A dentist can educate you about the dental procedure and explain alternative treatment options during your dental appointment.
Keyword Tags:
