Have you ever wondered if you can superglue a broken tooth?
The idea isn’t too weird since dentists use dental cement. Of course, this type of glue is very much different from your everyday craft glue. Plus, dentists use tooth crown glue for securing a crown, inlay, or dental implant to a damaged tooth.
It’s also not meant as a long-term solution for chipped teeth. A better alternative would be cosmetic dental bonding. However, it’s also not without disadvantages.
That said, let’s talk about dental bonding, focusing on its benefits and downsides, so you can decide if it’s the right way to fix your smile.
What Is Dental Bonding?
Tooth bonding or dental bonding is one of the most common procedures for fixing chipped, cracked, or broken teeth. Sometimes dentists will use it to fill gaps between the teeth and lengthen a tooth that’s shorter than its neighbors.
Unlike a filling, a dental bond is a composite resin. Its color is also close to that of a natural tooth.
Like other cosmetic dental options, dental bonding isn’t only for aesthetics. It can help prevent further damage by ensuring proper bite and alignment of teeth.
Some Pros of Cosmetic Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a good solution if you have relatively healthy teeth and your broken tooth is because of a minor injury.
It’s simple, fast, and if your dentist says you don’t need anesthesia, non-invasive. Also, if you’re worried about spending too much, you’ll be glad to know that it’s less expensive than veneers or crowns. You might also get insurance to cover cosmetic dental bonding costs depending on where you live.
Another advantage of cosmetic dental bonding is specific to patients with extremely sensitive teeth. That’s because a dental bond won’t put too much pressure on the surrounding teeth and gums. You can read more here to find out more about dental bonding.
The Cons of Dental Bonding
Have you seen some cosmetic dental bonding before and after pictures? They’re mostly flattering, right?
However, it helps to remember that the material used to create the “bond” isn’t stain-resistant. The bonding resin will discolor fast and look quite different from your natural teeth if you love drinking coffee or wine.
It’s also not as durable as other cosmetic dental procedures. While crowns and veneers could last up to 20 years, dental bonds have a lifetime of a decade at most.
Also, don’t forget that cosmetic dental bonding isn’t ideal for severely decayed teeth, nor is it the best for the teeth you often use for chewing. Keep in mind that dentists will often recommend dental bonding for the front teeth or areas with low bite pressure.
Are You Considering Tooth Bonding?
Cosmetic dental bonding may suit you if you want an inexpensive and convenient way to fix your broken tooth.
You can search “cosmetic dental bonding near me” to find a dental clinic that offers it, or if you’re still researching your options, you can search our site. We have lots of dental articles that can help you.