O'Leary Dental

When it comes to cosmetic dental treatment, patients typically undergo one of two common procedures: dental fillings and bonded fillings. While the treatments are similar, there are a few key differences to consider when choosing between procedures. Your Janesville dentist can help you decide which treatment option is best for your particular circumstances. 

Differences Between Bonded Fillings & Dental Fillings

Both dental fillings and bonded fillings can improve the health and appearance of your teeth. The terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. 

Bonded fillings are tooth-colored composite resin materials that are bonded to the teeth using a high-intensity curing light. Dental bonding is primarily used for addressing cosmetic issues; it focuses on minor imperfections like chipped, cracked, discolored, or slightly misaligned teeth. It can also be used to fill gaps between teeth, make them look longer, or change their shape. 

Dental fillings, by contrast, are primarily focused on restoration. These teeth fillings are used to treat the damage caused by tooth decay, specifically targeting cavities, cracks, and fractures. Dental fillings are available in several different materials. They’re an effective option for preventing further damage and promoting healthy teeth.

Bonded fillings generally require minimal tooth removal, if any. Dental fillings usually involve removing decayed or damaged teeth with a drill, followed by cleaning and filling the cavity with the chosen material.

Benefits of Dental Bonding

There are plenty of reasons to choose bonds over dental fillings when appropriate. Bonded fillings are best suited for patients who want to improve the appearance of their teeth and/or those wanting to correct minor imperfections whose teeth aren’t severely decayed. Benefits include: 

• Appearance: Bonded fillings blend in with the natural color of your teeth, making them less noticeable than dental amalgam fillings.
• Stronger bond: Bonded fillings create a stronger bond to the tooth than dental fillings, which can help prevent further decay and the need for future fillings.
• Minimally invasive: Because bonded fillings bond to the tooth, they require less removal of healthy tooth structure than other treatment options. The procedure is generally pain-free and requires no anesthesia.
• Quick and convenient: Dental bonding usually requires only one appointment and the procedure rarely lasts longer than an hour.
• Cost-effectiveness: Dental bonding is one of the least expensive cosmetic treatment options available. With proper care, bonded fillings can last up to 10 years.
• Versatility: Bonded fillings can be used to repair a variety of tooth defects, including cavities, cracks, chips, and worn teeth.

The Dental Bonding Procedure

During the dental bonding procedure, your Janesville dentist will follow these steps: 

1. Shade Selection: The dentist will select a shade of composite resin that closely matches the color of your natural teeth using a shade guide. 
2. Tooth Preparation: The surface of the tooth being treated is roughened to increase the surface area for the bonding material to adhere to effectively. A conditioning liquid is applied to further enhance bonding strength.
3. Resin Application and Shaping: The composite resin is applied to the tooth, where it is molded and smoothed to the desired form. This can involve repairing chips, cracks, gaps, or altering the tooth’s shape or size for aesthetic purposes.
4. Curing: A special ultraviolet light is used to harden (cure) the applied resin, solidifying it in place. Once cured, the dentist will further refine the shape and smooth out any unevenness to achieve a natural look and comfortable feel. 
5. Polishing: Finally, the bonded filling is polished to match the sheen of your surrounding teeth for a uniform appearance.

Dental bonding should take between 30 – 60 minutes depending on the complexity of the issue. Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for best results. Your Janesville dentist recommends brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily, and scheduling regular check-ups and cleanings. 
If you’d like to see whether bonded fillings are a viable treatment option, schedule an appointment with a Janesville dentist at O’Leary Dental today!