Your Invisalign® Provider
There are various factors that can make your teeth become chipped, stained, or broken including trauma, dietary habits, and genetics. While not all of these problems can affect the way your teeth function, they could however impact the way your smile looks.
Even if your teeth haven't been physically damaged, you still might not be happy about the way they look. Misshapen or uneven teeth could be genetic and can make people feel insecure in their appearance.
Are dental fillings the same as dental bonding?
In terms of cosmetic and restorative dental procedures, dental bonding and dental fillings are two of the most common treatment options.
You may wonder, though, if dental bonding and fillings are the same. While dental bonding and fillings have some similarities, they also have some differences. Dental bonding can address both cosmetic and restorative issues, while fillings are primarily for restorative purposes.
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 discolored teeth, but its benefits are not solely cosmetic.
Dental bonding also has practical uses, including keeping tooth roots safe. When gums start to recede they leave the roots of your teeth exposed, making them vulnerable. Dental bonding could be administered to the teeth to help defend the exposed roots, lessening sensitivity and lowering the risk of decay.
The dental bonding procedures our dentists in North York perform generally take approximately 30 to 60 minutes, and can typically be done in just one appointment.
What are dental fillings?
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.
For back teeth, however, our North York 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.