Bonding

Some forms of cosmetic dentistry are designed for big, noticeable improvements to the smile. Other treatments, such as dental bonding, are made for subtle changes instead. Bonding is the ideal cosmetic treatment for someone concerned that other options might be too much for what they have in mind. 

With the power of a thin layer of dental resin, you can get a smoother and brighter smile without committing to major changes. It’s also a quick procedure, requiring little preparation compared to other cosmetic improvements. Consider bonding if you have a minor smile makeover in mind.

What’s the Difference Between Bonding and Veneers?

Dr. LaRock offer both bonding and veneers as options for cosmetic dental treatment. Since both cover discolored or damaged teeth, they’re easy to confuse. However, they vary most importantly in the amount of visible difference they can make. 

Veneers are thicker, require more of the underlying tooth to be removed, and make a noticeable difference in shape and color for each tooth. Bonding is a more subtle way of making teeth brighter and smoother looking that does little to change the shape of a tooth. It can fill in a little chipping or micro-fractures around the edges of a tooth, but it’s not as dramatic as a veneer in its effects.

How Does Bonding Compare to Crowns?

Compared to crowns, bonding is a much more minimal procedure. Crowns require even more preparation and removal of the existing tooth than veneers. Of course, bonding can’t repair the same kind of damage that crowns can.

Crowns are often recommended when damage has left a tooth nearly hollow or missing a lot of its structure. If you only need cosmetic improvements and your teeth are stable enough without additional work, bonding may be all you need. There’s often no reason to go through the extra work for getting crowns when bonding is more than enough to provide a smoother look to your teeth.

Is Bonding Used for More Than Cosmetic Reasons?

Since bonding doesn’t offer as much support and stabilization as veneers or crowns do, it’s primarily a cosmetic procedure. In some cases, Dr. LaRock may recommend it to help stabilize a tooth with very minor damage that isn’t likely to worsen.

It may also be combined with other techniques like fillings, inlays, or onlays to stabilize the tooth while improving the appearance at the same time. Bonding is particularly helpful for covering stains and hiding fractures that have gotten discolored over time.

What Are the Steps for Bonding?

Unlike veneers or crowns, bonding requires little preparation of the tooth surface. One of our hygienists simply needs to thoroughly clean the surface of your teeth so the resin-based material can bond tightly to it. Then the dentist can apply the resin and cure it in place. You’ll be able to see the results immediately and won’t experience much of an interruption of your normal activities. Since bonding can be done so quickly, it’s a good option for quick improvements before an event like a wedding or reunion.

Give bonding a try here at LaRock Dental if you need more cosmetic work than whitening alone can provide. We’re happy to help you envision what your smile could look like after a procedure like bonding.