What to Know About Dental Bonding

If you have a tooth that has been cracked, chipped, discolored, or slightly decayed, you will likely be presented with a few restoration options. These will probably include dental veers, crowns, and dental bonding. Bonding is the quickest and most cost-effective of the restoration options, but it’s the one people tend to know the least about.

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is a restorative procedure, wherein composite resin is cemented or ‘bonded’ to the surface of the tooth to restore functionality and the look of the tooth. Once the resin has been applied, a special light will harden it and then the resin will be shaped to the proper shape, size, and thickness. Once applied, dental bonding will protect the tooth from sustaining further damage and will improve the way the tooth looks.

Dental Bonding Facts

Below are a few additional things to know about dental bonding before having the procedure done:

• May become stained – The material used for dental bonding is vulnerable to staining. Your dental bonding may become more likely to stain as they age, just like your natural teeth.
• Limited durability – Unlike dental crowns, which can last between 15-20 years, dental bonding will usually only last between 2-10 years. This is because porcelain is more durable than the composite resin that makes up dental bonding.
• Used for mild cases – Dental bonding is only an option if cracks or dental decay is caught in the early stages. Once these problems become too severe, a crown may be necessary to protect more of the tooth.

If you’re interested in learning more about dental bonding, or to make an appointment at our Wichita, Kansas family dental office, please contact Auburn Family Dental today.