There are a number of cosmetic and restorative dentistry treatment options. Dental bonding and dental fillings are two of the most common treatment options. You may wonder, are dental bonding and fillings the same? While dental bonding and fillings have some similarities, they also have some unique differences. Dental bonding can address both cosmetic and restorative issues, while fillings are primarily for restorative purposes.
Are Dental Bonding and Fillings the Same?
Depending on your unique dental needs, a skilled dentist can help you decide which one is right for you. Below you will find the unique benefits of dental bonding and dental fillings.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding in Chino Hills is an effective treatment option for addressing both cosmetic and restorative issues impacting your teeth. Now, dental bonding is a procedure that involves the application of tooth-colored resin to your tooth. Resin is a durable plastic material that hardens through the use of a special light. The resin bonds to your tooth and can restore or improve the look of your smile.
Dental bonding can improve issues such as chips, cracks, discoloration, misshapen teeth, and even fill gaps between your teeth. There are a number of benefits when it comes to dental bonding. The procedure often takes only one visit and usually doesn’t last more than 30 minutes to an hour. Unlike other treatment options you most likely won’t need any sort of anesthesia. This is a major benefit for those who have dental anxiety as it is a smooth and pain-free process. Dental bonding is also much more cost-effective yet provides the same results as compared to other treatment options. The resin applied can mimic your natural tooth’s color so nobody will notice a difference when you smile. Dental bonding can last up to ten years as long as you take good care of your teeth.
Dental Fillings
While dental bonding can be both restorative or cosmetic, dental fillings are primarily focused on restoration. Fillings are the most common dental procedure and they are used to address the damage caused by tooth decay. Tooth decay is highly prevalent as more than 90% of adults in the United States have had a cavity. A filling can help prevent further tooth decay. The procedure is simple and usually lasts between 20 minutes and one hour. Local anesthetic is applied unless the filling is only on your tooth’s surface. A dental drill is used to remove the tooth decay and the area is then sterilized. The filling is applied and your tooth is polished to ensure it looks and feels just as it did prior to the tooth decay.
Multiple materials can be used for dental fillings, including silver-colored fillings, white tooth-colored composite fillings, gold fillings, glass ionomer fillings, and porcelain fillings. White tooth-colored composite fillings and porcelain fillings are the two most preferred types as they mimic the color of your natural teeth. Depending on the type of material used, fillings can last between 5 and 25 years so long as you take good care of your oral health.
Dentist in Chino Hills
If you are still unsure about whether you should choose dental bonding or a dental filling, you are not alone. Choosing the right treatment option can feel overwhelming. Instead of researching on your own, it’s best to consult with an experienced dentist. They can help you tease out which treatment option is right for you so you can move forward feeling informed and prepared.
Do you have a chipped, cracked, or discolored tooth? Then contact the team at Dental Care of Chino Hills. They are skilled in a variety of dental treatments, including dental bonding. Contact the top dentist in Chino Hills today for an appointment!