There’s no doubt that getting a full set of porcelain veneers from our Mesa, Arizona dentist is the ultimate smile makeover. However, not everyone finds this investment is one that fits into their budget or timeline. Fortunately, for those who need a quicker or cheaper alternative, dental bonding can be done to give you quicker results at a more affordable price.
What is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding is a cosmetic dental procedure that’s done on front teeth to give you an instant smile makeover.
During the bonding procedure, our dentist will roughen the front surface of the tooth then apply some cleaning and bonding solutions to the area. Next, we’ll place a moldable composite bonding material over the tooth and shape it up until the desired look is achieved. Once satisfied with the appearance of the bonded material, we use a special light to harden and permanently stick the composite to the tooth.
What Are The Advantages of Composite Bonding
Some of the reasons you may choose to have composite bonding done include:
More affordable – As we mentioned before, bonding is less expensive than porcelain veneers. In fact, the cost of one bonded tooth is about one-third of the price of one veneer.
Improve the appearance of misshapen teeth – If you have one or more front teeth that are too small, slightly crooked, chipped, or jagged, then bonding can improve the way they look.
Close in gaps – If you have slight gaps between your teeth and don’t want to go through orthodontic treatment to close in the spaces, bonding can achieve the same results for you.
Whiter teeth – Heavily stained teeth may not respond well to bleaching. Dental bonding is available in a variety of shades and can provide you with a brighter-looking, more uniform smile.
Fast results – The complete bonding procedure is done in one visit, which gives you faster results compared to porcelain veneers that can take two or more appointments.
Preservation of your natural tooth – Dental bonding only requires us to remove a minimal amount of your tooth enamel, if any at all, which allows us to retain the health and natural structure of your tooth.
No anesthesia – Since there are no cavities to remove or a lot of work that needs to be done to the natural teeth, most of the time when we’re placing bonding you won’t even need local anesthesia. However, if you don’t mind being numbed and want to make sure you don’t feel any discomfort at all, then you may request to have anesthetic if you like, especially if you’re getting several teeth worked on.
Bonding Disadvantages
Though bonding has its numerous advantages, there are some not so great things that come along with it:
Discoloration – Porcelain veneers don’t stain, but bonding can. If not cleaned properly, or you consume an excessive amount of dark liquids like coffee, or red wine, then you can expect some discoloration over time. Smoking is also very bad for bonding.
Shade can be hard to match – While there are a lot of different shades to choose from when placing dental bonding, matching an uncommon shade can be difficult. Therefore, if you aren’t getting a complete smile makeover with bonding we’ll need to match the teeth that we are redoing with your other natural teeth, which can be challenging.
Bonding can chip – Composite bonding material isn’t as strong as veneers, therefore, you should be careful with bonded teeth. Grinding, clenching, and biting into hard things can cause your bonding to pop off.
It doesn’t last as long – If taken care of properly, the bonding on your teeth can last for several years (about five) but still won’t last as long as porcelain veneers, which can withstand about ten years. Eventually, the bond will stain, chip, or pop-off and you’ll need to have it replaced. During your bonding consultation, you should speak with our dentist about your habits. If you’re at risk for damaging your bonding frequently, then we may recommend you get porcelain veneers instead because they’ll be more reliable, and in the long run veneers will cost you less.
No insurance payment – Both dental bonding and porcelain veneers are considered cosmetic dentistry which isn’t something that’s usually covered by your dental insurance policy.
Cosmetic Dental Bonding in Mesa, Arizona
If you need a cosmetic dentist in Mesa, Arizona, whether it’s for dental bonding or porcelain veneers, then call the smile specialists of Eastport Dental. We look forward to helping all patients achieve the teeth that they’ve always wanted. Don’t wait any longer, give us a call today.
