Having a perfect smile can be a confidence boost and for those who do not have that desirable smile, there are many treatments available. Teeth bonding have become a common and popular dental procedure to improve the look of one’s teeth and enhance their smile.

While teeth bonding can be a beneficial and relatively quick procedure to correct a variety of cosmetic dental issue, it is important to be aware of the potential disadvantage of undergoing the dental procedure.

In the rest of this article, we will briefly discuss teeth bonding and explore the top 5 disadvantages of it. By understanding the downsides of teeth bonding, you’ll be better equipped to make an informed decision about whether it’s the right cosmetic dental treatment for you.

Teeth Bonding Explained

Teeth bonding, also known as dental bonding, is a popular cosmetic dental treatment designed to improve the general appearance of the teeth. The popularity of the procedure stems from the fact that it is relatively quick, painless, and affordable compared to other cosmetic dental treatments such as veneers or crowns; most teeth bonding treatment cost between $200 to $600 per tooth and can be completed in a single session with your dentist.

The dental procedure starts with the application of a tooth-colored composite resin material onto the surface of a tooth. The composite material is then carefully sculpted by your dentist into its desired shape to match the rest of the teeth. The next step involves the shining of a special curing light to harden the resin and bond it to the teeth. Finally, ‘new’ tooth is buffered and polished to smooth out any rough edges and give it a natural shine.

The result is a tooth that looks aesthetically beautiful and can last for up to a decade with proper care.

Teeth bonding can be used to address a wide range of cosmetic dental issues. Some of the common dental issues that can be treated with teeth bonding include:

• Repairing of a chipped or cracked tooth
• Improving the appearance of a discolored or stained tooth
• Altering the shape and size of a tooth
• Closing the gaps between the teeth
• Protect the root of a tooth that is exposed due to gum recession.

As seen, teeth bonding is a versatile treatment option for those who are looking to enhance the overall appearance of their smile and protect their teeth from further dental erosion. It is also significantly more affordable option than other alternatives such as dental crowns or porcelain veneers. More importantly, it is less invasive, making it a preferred option among those who dislike visits to the dentist.

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6 Disadvantages of Teeth Bonding

While teeth bonding is a popular and effective way to address a variety of dental concerns, there are several disadvantages that you must consider before undergoing the treatment. Here are a few:

1. Can Be Stained: Composite resin stains more easily than porcelain veneers as it is more porous. As such, certain habits such as smoking or frequent drinking of coffee or tea can cause the composite resin to be stained. It is important that people with teeth bonding brush their teeth regularly and undergo regularly dental checkup.
2. Cannot Be Whitened: Due to the nature of resin, teeth bonding will not respond to any whitening treatment. Most dentist recommend their patients to first undergo teeth whitening treatment before the application of teeth bonding. The color of the resin material will then be matched to the whitened teeth.
3. May Not Be Aesthetically Pleasing: The aesthetic appearance of the teeth bonding highly depends on the skill set and experience of the dentist. Any dentist can easily apply composite resin onto a tooth but it requires artistic acumen and years of experience to sculpt and create a pleasing teeth bonding. You may end up spending more money if the new teeth bonding needs to be replaced due to poor application or appearance.
4. Brittle And Easily Damaged: As compared to other cosmetic material, composite resin can break or chip under pressure. As such, it is important to take a conscious effort to avoid grinding or chewing hard food as it can cause the teeth bonding to crack, chip, or detach from the teeth. If you are taking part in activities that involve physical contact such as rugby, always wear a sports mouthguard to protect your teeth bonding from trauma.
5. Not Durable: Teeth bonding do not last as long as its alternatives. Typically, composite resin last anywhere between 4 and 10 years before it needs to be maintained or replaced. In contrast, the average life span of dental crowns and porcelain veneers is around 15 years.
6. Does Not Cover Entire Tooth: Teeth bonding is only meant to cover and protect a portion of the tooth. In contrast, dental crown covers the entire tooth, providing all-round protection; it is preferred over teeth bonding when the tooth suffers from a major chip or is significantly decayed, and requires significant repair and protection.

Due to the limitations of teeth bonding, most dentist recommend the dental procedure only for treatments that require a temporary, minor cosmetic change, or to correct low bite pressure. In most other cases, dental crowns and porcelain veneers are preferred due to its strength, longevity, as well as overall aesthetic appearance.

Takeaway

In conclusion, teeth bonding can be a great solution for those who want to improve the aesthetics of their teeth. It’s relatively quick, painless and affordable, making it a popular option among patients.

However, it is important to consider the potential disadvantages associated with this procedure before taking the plunge. The composite resin used is not durable and may require occasional maintenance. Furthermore, the material cannot be whitened and is less durable as compared to the more costly options like dental crowns or porcelain veneers. Last but not least, bonding material can be chipped or broken off the tooth if not taken care of.

Despite these limitations, teeth bonding remains a popular and effective treatment option for many patients. Ultimately, the decision to undergo teeth bonding is a personal one that should be made in consultation with your dentist as they will be able to determine if the treatment is the right option based on your individual needs and circumstances.