Cosmetic tooth bonding (composite bonding) is an alternative to other cosmetic options such as veneers, implants, dentures, crowns, bridges, orthodontics and whitening when you wish to improve the appearance of your smile with little to no invasive treatment. Cosmetic tooth bonding involves applying a tooth-colored composite resin to your natural tooth to create a new appearance with a number of possible applications including repair of chipped or fractured teeth, closure of gaps, cover-up of discoloration and correction of mis-shaped or short teeth. In most cases, tooth bonding is a single visit procedure.
How Does the Procedure for Tooth Bonding Work?
The process of tooth bonding includes applying a tooth-colored composite resin to your natural tooth. Your dentist will use an adhesive bonding agent to apply the composite resin to the tooth surface and then place it on your tooth and shape it to fit into the space and the shape of the adjacent teeth. A specialized light is used to cure the composite resin so that it becomes hard and resistant to the stresses associated with biting and chewing. Due to the fact that the procedure is minimally invasive and requires very little to no enamel removal, many people can leave the office with a new smile after one visit.
Cosmetic tooth bonding is one of the most gentle and effective ways to enhance a smile. With minimal preparation and natural-looking results, it allows patients to feel confident again—often in just a single visit.” by Dr. David Cheng – DDS, BA, FAGD, FICOI
What Problems Can Tooth Bonding Solve? Examples of Common Use Cases
Tooth bonding is a flexible procedure and there are several ways it can benefit you. Some examples include:
- Repairing chipped or broken teeth that do not significantly impair the strength of the tooth.
- Closing small gaps between teeth for a more even and aesthetically pleasing smile.
- Correcting discoloration or stains on your teeth that cannot be corrected with whitening.
- Shaping or reshaping your teeth to achieve uniform length, shape or symmetry.
- Addressing minor aesthetic problems with the overall shape and appearance of your teeth.
These are just a few examples of some of the common problems that can be solved through tooth bonding.
Why Do So Many People Choose Tooth Bonding?
There are many reasons why people choose tooth bonding over other alternatives to enhance their smile. Here are a few:
It is relatively inexpensive compared to some of the alternatives available to enhance the appearance of your smile (such as porcelain veneers or crowns).
- It can often be done in a single visit to the dentist.
- It is a minimally invasive procedure that does not require a lot of work to be done on your teeth.
- You will have immediate results.
- Tooth bonding is a versatile way to enhance the appearance of your smile.
- Many people find that tooth bonding is a “smile refresh” without the costs, invasiveness and long-term commitment of veneers or crowns.
Limitations of Tooth Bonding & Things to Consider Prior to Commitment
While tooth bonding has many benefits, it is also important to consider the limitations of this procedure. Understanding these limitations can help you determine whether or not tooth bonding is the best option for you.
Durability and Longevity of Tooth Bonding
Tooth bonding is not a permanent solution. Typically, the composite resin of bonded teeth will last anywhere from three to ten years. However, this timeframe varies based upon factors such as how well you care for your teeth, how you bite down on food, and which teeth were treated.
In general, front teeth will hold up longer (typically five to ten years) since they receive less chewing force than back teeth. Back teeth, however, may need additional touchups or replacement sooner (within three to six years).
Vulnerability of Tooth Bonding to Damage
The composite resin of tooth bonding is durable but not as strong as the enamel of your teeth. Therefore, it can chip, crack or become separated if subjected to excessive pressure (i.e. biting down too hard on food, chewing ice, etc.) or habitually using your teeth as tools.
Staining of Tooth Bonding Over Time, tooth bonding may stain or discolor over time due to exposure to products that contain tannins (such as coffee, tea, red wine) and/or smoking and/or consuming foods and drinks that cause staining. To prevent staining of the bonding material, brush your teeth regularly, floss daily, rinse your mouth thoroughly and limit your intake of foods/drinks that stain the composite resin. Attend regular dental visits to monitor the status of the bonding and to identify any potential problems early on.
Bonding vs Veneers vs Other Cosmetic Options — What’s Right for You?
The decision between Cosmetic Tooth Bonding, Veneers or Crowns will depend upon your current needs, your budget and what you wish to achieve for your future. The most conservative and least expensive option is Cosmetic Tooth Bonding which requires very little to no Enamel Removal. This procedure is ideal for minor Chips, Gaps, Discoloration and Slight Shaping Changes, and typically lasts 3 – 10 Years depending on how well you take care of them. Porcelain Veneers on the other hand provide a longer lasting cosmetic makeover than Bonding. Porcelain Veneers also provide a more dramatic cosmetic result than Bonding. However, they do require some Enamel Removal, are completed over several Appointments, and are more expensive than Bonding. Porcelain Veneers can provide long lasting solutions for Deeper Discoloration, Un-even Shapes and Multi-tooth Smile Makeover Solutions that can last 10 – 15+ Years. Crowns are the most comprehensive Restorative Option available for patients. Crowns are ideal when there is significant Structural Damage to a tooth, a large Fracture or Extensive Cosmetic and Functional Issues with a tooth. Crowns require more tooth preparation than either Bonding or Veneers, but provide Durable Protection for the tooth and Aesthetic Improvement that can last for Years.
Overall, Bonding is ideal for Quick and Subtle Enhancements, Veneers are ideal for Long Lasting Cosmetic Transformations and Crowns are ideal for Restoring Heavily Damaged Teeth.
- If you are looking for a Quick Fix to Minor Cosmetic Issues and Want to Preserve as Much Natural Tooth Structure as Possible — then Bonding would be an Excellent First Choice.
- If you want Longer Lasting, More Durable and Comprehensive Cosmetic Correction — then Veneers or Crowns May be More Suitable — but require Enamel Removal and Are More Expensive and Time Consuming.
At Westcoast Smile Dental, we commonly Recommend Bonding for Patients who are Looking for Subtle, Budget-Friendly Enhancements. For More Extensive Cosmetic Concerns — we will Review Whether Veneers or Another Solution Would be More Appropriate for You.
Is Tooth Bonding Right for You? Ideal Candidates & Considerations
Tooth Bonding is a Procedure that May Be Recommended for You If the Following Applies:
- Your Teeth and Gums are Healthy — No Major Decay or Gum Disease.
- You Wish to Correct Minor Cosmetic Imperfections — Small Chips, Minor Discoloration, Small Gaps, or Slightly Uneven Teeth.
- You Prefer Less Invasive Treatment Options — Preserving as Much of Your Natural Tooth Structure as Possible and Avoiding Enamel Removal.
- You Appreciate Quick Turnaround — Possibly a Same Day Smile Update with Minimal Disruption.
- You Are Willing to Commit to Good Oral Hygiene and Maintenance to Prolong the Results of Your Bonding.
However, Tooth Bonding May Not be the Best Option for You If:
- There is Significant Structural Damage to Your Teeth (Large Fractures, Deep Cracks, Decay). In These Cases, a Crown or Veneer May be a Better Option.
- You Require Major Cosmetic Transformation (e.g. Multiple Teeth, Heavy Discoloration, Severe Misalignment) — Bonding May Not Provide the Stability or Longevity Required for Such Corrections.
- You Engage in Habits That Can Compromise the Durability of Bonding (Teeth Grinding, Biting Hard Items, Chewing Ice, Poor Oral Hygiene).
Tips for Taking Care of Bonded Teeth for Optimal Longevity
Here are Some Practical Tips for Caring for Your Bonded Teeth:
- Brush and Floss Daily — Treat Your Bonded Teeth Like Your Natural Teeth.
- Avoid Stain-Causing Foods/Drinks — Especially After Bonding; Composite Resin Can Absorb Stains.
- Refrain From Bad Habits — No Biting Nails, Chewing Ice, Using Your Teeth to Open Packages.
- Use a Soft Toothbrush — Rough Brushing Can Scratch Composite Surfaces Over Time.
- Visit Your Dentist Regularly — for Cleanings, Check-Ups and to Monitor the Bonding.
- Consider a Night Guard if You Grind Your Teeth — to Protect the Bonding.
- Report Any Chips or Rough Spots Early — Early Repair Often Means Easier and More Effective Correction.
By Providing Proper Care and Regular Follow-Up, Many of Our Patients Enjoy Satisfied Results for 5 – 10 Years (or More).
Why Westcoast Smile Dental is the Perfect Choice for Bonding in Vancouver
At Westcoast Smile Dental, we are Specialized in Cosmetic Dentistry with a Patient-First Approach.
- We Use High-Quality Composite Resin Materials that Match Your Natural Tooth Shade for a Seamless, Natural Finish.
- Our Dentists Pay Close Attention to Detail — Shaping and Sculpting Each Tooth to Complement Your Facial Features and Smile Symmetry.
- We Emphasize Conservative, Minimally Invasive Treatment Options — Preserving as Much of Your Natural Tooth Structure as Possible.
- We Guide You Through Maintenance and Aftercare to Help You Get the Longest Life Out of Your Bonding.
- And Because Bonding is Typically a One-Visit Procedure, It is Convenient, Affordable, and Efficient — Ideal for Busy Vancouver Patients.
If You Are a Resident of Vancouver and Considering Cosmetic Bonding — We Encourage You to Contact Us Today for a Consultation.
Conclusion: A Versatile, Low-Cost Option to Enhance Your Smile
Bonding is the perfect combination of cost, speed and ease to provide a wonderful way to enhance your smile without breaking the bank!
Whether you have minor chips, slight gaps, discoloration or unevenly shaped teeth, bonding is likely the most versatile and affordable option to consider for improving the appearance of your smile.
At Westcoast Smile Dental we strive to help our Vancouver-based dental patients achieve the confident and natural-looking smile they desire. Contact us today and discover whether cosmetic tooth bonding is the right fit for you!