When one or more of your teeth are damaged, possibly by a sudden injury or due to decay, your dentist will discuss different options to repair them. And among these, two of the well-known solutions are bonding and filling. At times, it may seem like they’re almost the same, but they are different in more ways than one. Let’s compare dental bonding vs filling to help you choose what might be best for you.
What is the Purpose of Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding is a popular cosmetic dental treatment that can restore your smile when little damage occurs. Many people have minor imperfections in their smile for which they want a quick, affordable fix, and dental bonding is exactly what they are looking for.
Let’s say you have a small chip in one of your front teeth, or you have a tooth that’s perfectly healthy but appears smaller than surrounding teeth. These are the types of problems that dentists can easily correct with dental bonding.
It’s usually helpful for tooth chips, cracks, small gaps, misshapen, or slightly uneven teeth.
How Does Dental Bonding Work?
The treatment is typically very quick. Most cases are completed in one visit. The dentist begins by cleaning the tooth surface to remove plaque and debris.
Then, if needed, they may remove a small amount of enamel or reshape it slightly. After that, they apply an acidic gel first and then wash it off to apply a bonding agent. This helps create a strong bond.
They will place composite resin next, in a color that blends just right with your teeth, and harden it using a special curing light.
What is the Purpose of Dental Fillings?
Although tooth bonding and filling may sound the same, there’s actually a big difference. Fillings are intended for teeth that have become weak because of cavities or decay.
These days, one of the materials dentists use a lot is composite filling. Now this is often the point where most people get confused and start to think, “Is bonding the same as filling?”
Both bonding and tooth-colored fillings often use similar composite resin material. The main difference lies in their purpose as bonding is typically cosmetic, while fillings are used to restore teeth damaged by decay.
How Do Dentists Place Fillings?
The dental filling procedure is also easy, but sometimes it may take a bit longer. For this one, your dentist needs to numb the tooth first. Next, they remove the part of your tooth that is damaged.
They’ll apply a bonding agent for a composite filling as well to make sure it sticks. The filling material is then quickly mixed and placed right after, and set with a UV light.
Usually, dentists apply it in layers for the best results.
Dental Bonding vs Filling — Summary
So, now that you know the differences between these two, it comes down to what your goal is. If the issue is only cosmetic, like a minor tooth chip or crack, teeth bonding might be the right fit. But if the problem is cavities, you’ll need to think about getting dental fillings.
To know for sure which option between dental bonding and filling is good for you, consult our dentists at Hickerson Dental & Associates, DDS. P.C. We’ll help you make the best choice! Call us at (713) 782-3123 to book a visit today.