Three Questions to Ask a Dentist if You Are Considering Dental Bonding

If you are unsure if dental bonding is right for you, then you can learn more about treatment during a consultation visit. This review discusses three questions you should consider asking your dentist about dental bonding to find out whether or not treatment matches your specific needs, goals, and treatment preferences.

Questions to ask a dentist about dental bonding

You may have additional questions you would like to ask relating to your specific treatment goals and preferences. However, asking your dentist about the ideal candidate for dental bonding, the benefits and drawbacks of treatment, and how to protect your smile long-term after treatment is a great place to stay in determining if treatment is appropriate.

Who is the ideal candidate for dental bonding treatment?

There is a range of reasons why a dentist may recommend dental bonding. Subsequently, there are many patients that make good candidates for dental bonding treatment. Some of the more common reasons a licensed dentist may recommend dental bonding treatment are to address the following concerns:

• Teeth chips
• Cracked teeth
• Worn-down enamel
• Dental decay
• Gaps between teeth
• Teeth stains
• Short teeth

Dental bonding can be used for oral health or cosmetic reasons. It is seen in general as a more affordable solution to dental veneers. For treating issues such as teeth stains, dental bonding is more appropriate for moderate to severe teeth stains, whereas professional teeth whitening can typically treat mild stains in a more cost-effective manner.

What are the pros and cons of dental bonding treatment?

It is helpful to discuss the benefits and possible drawbacks of dental bonding with a licensed dentist and compare them with alternative treatment solutions that may also be available treatment options. The most notable advantages of dental bonding treatment are:

• A cost-effective solution
• Personalized treatment
• Aesthetically-pleasing materials
• Can treat a range of concerns
• Easy to care for at home

Perhaps the most notable potential drawback to dental bonding is that it does not last as long as some other restorative treatment solutions such as dental crowns or dental veneers. They can also stain easier than dental veneers as well.

What can I do to protect my teeth after dental bonding treatment?

Since dental bonding is more vulnerable to stains and not quite as durable as certain alternative restorations, it is important to exercise good oral hygiene and smart dietary choices daily. This should include brushing two or three times per day, flossing regularly, and limiting the consumption of foods and drinks that can cause stains or damage teeth and gums, such as those high in sugar.