Dental bonding is a cosmetic dental procedure that involves taking some tooth- colored material and then molding it around already existing teeth. The material is allowed to set and bond with the teeth. It's most commonly used for filling in gaps between teeth, repairing chipped teeth, and covering teeth in a facade that will make them look whiter and more attractive. There are both advantages and disadvantages that are associated with dental bonding.

Advantages of Dental Bonding

One of the main advantages of dental bonding is that it is cheaper than other procedures that are used for the same purpose. For example, chipped or discolored teeth can be hidden underneath a veneer, but it is much more expensive to make a veneer that perfectly matches the shape of a person's tooth than it is to use some malleable material to cover up the stains or fill in the chip. 

Another advantage is that the bonding process is very quick and will usually take between one and two hours in a dentist's chair, whereas other procedures will require multiple visits. If you want to get your tooth whitened, you will have to return several times in order to get the shade that you want. If you want a veneer, you will need to go in once to have the molds cast for the veneer, and then another time to have the veneer installed. If you need to cover up a chipped tooth quickly, bonding is your best bet.

The final advantage is that there is no pain. This is exceedingly helpful for those who are afraid of going to the dentist. 

Disadvantages of Dental Bonding

The primary disadvantage of dental bonding is that there is a strong tendency for the bonding material that is used to be stained by the items that you put in your mouth. If you regularly drink coffee, tea, or soda, smoke, or drink red wine, then there's a strong likelihood that the material used in the bonding process will not remain the precise shade that it was before. This could force you to have the process redone at some point.

A second disadvantage is that the material used in dental bonding will not last as long as a veneer or other cosmetic dentistry option. It is much more likely to be chipped because it is not as durable, also requiring you to have the process redone.

For more information, talk to your dentist (like those at Glendale Dental Group).