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When it comes to stained, broken, or chipped teeth, genetics, dietary habits, and trauma can all play a role. While not all of these issues have an impact on the functionality of your teeth, they can all have an impact on how your smile looks.
Even if you haven’t sustained physical damage to your teeth, you may still be unhappy with their appearance. Teeth that are uneven in length or misshapen can be genetic and can cause feelings of insecurity in some people.
Is dental bonding the same thing as dental fillings?
In terms of cosmetic and restorative dental procedures, dental bonding and dental fillings are two of the most common treatment options.
However, you might wonder if dental bonding and fillings are the same things. While there are some similarities between dental bonding and fillings, there are also some differences. Fillings are primarily for restorative purposes, whereas dental bonding can address both cosmetic and restorative issues.
What is dental bonding?
Dental bonding uses colour-matched composite resin to restore the natural shape of a patient's teeth.
Bonding is a relatively inexpensive way to help restore the look of healthy teeth. This is especially true in cases of minor damage and light decay. It can be used to fix the appearance of chipped teeth as well as discoloured teeth, but its benefits are not solely cosmetic.
Dental bonding also has practical applications, such as protecting tooth roots. Gum recession exposes these roots, making them more vulnerable. Dental bonding can be used to protect the exposed roots of the teeth, reducing sensitivity and decay risk.
A bonding procedure at your Edmonton dentist will normally take about 30 to 60 minutes. The procedure usually takes only one visit.
What is a dental filling?
Dental fillings can also be characterized as cosmetic, but they are most often used as a restorative treatment. Fillings repair teeth that have damage on the inside due to decay or an accident. Generally, these are stronger than dental bonding.
The good news is that like dental bonding, fillings can mimic the appearance of the natural tooth because they can be made of materials that closely match the colour of your natural teeth.
Our Edmonton dentists, on the other hand, frequently recommend amalgam (silver) fillings for back teeth. This is because amalgam is more durable than white fillings and can withstand the heavy bite forces of your molars over time.