Advantages of Tooth Bonding

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. A smile marred by gaps, chips and cracks, or obvious silver fillings can leave you feeling awkward every time you smile. For patients with minor cosmetic imperfections who want a quick and painless solution, tooth bonding is an ideal choice.

Tooth Bonding Advantages

Tooth bonding, also known as white composite fillings is a preferred alternative to traditional silver fillings to prevent decay. Silver fillings cannot stick to your teeth. This requires parts of the healthy tooth to be removed in order to place fillings. Tooth bonding prevents decay by being applied over the problem area, preserving the structural integrity of your natural teeth.

Tooth bonding can also be performed in a single visit, unlike some other cosmetic procedures that may require several visits. Tooth bonding is also less expensive than other cosmetic alternatives.

Tooth Bonding Disadvantages

Tooth bonding doe, however, have a number of disadvantages. First, although it can be roughly matched to the color of your teeth, the color match is not as good as for many types of porcelain restorations. And the bonding lacks the natural similarity to tooth enamel that porcelain restorations have.

Tooth bonding is a jack of all trades, but really a master of none. Although it can close gaps and cover chipped or uneven teeth, it doesn't perform so well at this task as porcelain veneers. And though it is superior to amalgam fillings, it is not as strong or durable as porcelain inlays and onlays for correcting cavities and other tooth damage. And if your tooth's structure is affected by a crack, there is no alternative that matches a porcelain crown for protecting your teeth.

Dental bonding also does not tend to last as long as porcelain restorations, especially in situations where it may be put under significant stress due to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD).

Is Tooth Bonding for You?

Tooth bonding is a popular choice for patients who want a beautiful, strong smile without the time required by other procedures. Experienced cosmetic dentist Dr.Michael Folck can help you determine if tooth bonding is the best option to give you the smile you deserve.

If you live in or around Portsmouth, Norfolk, Hampton, Chesapeake, Newport, or Virginia Beach, Virginia and are interested in learning more about the advantages of tooth bonding, please contact Dr. Michael P. Folck to schedule a free consultation.