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Genetics, dietary habits, and trauma can all be factors when it comes to your teeth becoming stained, broken, or chipped. While not all of these issues affect the functionality of your teeth, they can affect the appearance of your smile.
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.
You may be wondering if dental bonding and fillings are the same things. While dental bonding and fillings share some characteristics, they also differ. 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. Receding gums expose these roots, making them more vulnerable. Dental bonding can be used to protect the exposed roots of teeth, reducing sensitivity and the risk of decay.
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 be considered cosmetic, but they are most commonly used as a restorative treatment. Fillings are used to repair teeth that have internal damage due to decay or an accident. In general, these are more powerful 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.
For back teeth, however, our Edmonton dentists often recommend getting amalgam (silver) fillings. This is because amalgam is stronger and can better withstand the heavy bite forces of your molars over time than white fillings.