Dental Bonding vs Fillings

Dental treatments are essential for maintaining a healthy and appealing smile. Have you ever found yourself staring at a chipped tooth or a small cavity, wondering about your options? With so many treatment choices available, choosing which is best for your specific needs is difficult. One common dilemma people face is choosing between dental bonding and fillings.

Both are excellent methods for restoring broken teeth, but they serve different functions and have distinct advantages. So, how do you pick between  Bonding vs Fillings? Let’s explore their differences and advantages. By the end, you will have a clear understanding of which treatment is suitable for your dental needs.

Bonding vs Dental Fillings Which one to choose

What Is Dental Bonding?

Dental bonding is a cosmetic dental treatment that involves applying a tooth-colored resin material to the tooth and hardening it using a specific light. This procedure can be employed to fix chipped, damaged, or discolored teeth, fill gaps, and make teeth look longer.

Bonding is a straightforward procedure typically accomplished in a single visit. What is the best part? Dental bonding is a painless procedure that requires little to no anesthesia unless it is done to fill a severely decayed tooth.

Advantages Of Dental Bonding

To compare Bonding vs Fillings, it’s essential to weigh their perks. Tooth bonding is a versatile and cost-effective treatment for a number of tooth problems. Here are the most common benefits of dental bonding 

  • Cosmetic enhancement: bonding can reshape or recolor teeth, improving their look.
  • Non-invasive: bonding removes less enamel than other treatments, such as dental crowns or veneers.
  • Quick results: you can enjoy a brighter, more radiant, and more uniform smile in only one session.
  • Affordable: dental bonding is generally more cost-effective than other cosmetic procedures.

What Is A Dental Filling?

Dental fillings are used to treat cavities or tooth decay. When germs erode your tooth enamel, tiny holes called cavities emerge, leading to more dental issues if not addressed on time. Did you know 1 in 4 adults aged 20 to 64 has at least one untreated cavity? A dental filling rebuilds the tooth’s structure, preventing additional decay and promoting oral health.

Unlike dental bonding, which is purely cosmetic, fillings are necessary treatments for cavities. They can be composed of various materials, such as composite resin fillings, silver amalgam, gold, or porcelain. Understanding the basics of two procedures is necessary to compare Bonding and Fillings.

Advantages Of Dental Fillings

Fillings function by preventing further decay and restoring the tooth’s normal function. Here’s why fillings can be your best option:

  • Durability: Fillings can last for many years, even decades, depending on the material used, especially metallic or ceramic, and your dental hygiene.
  • Prevents further decay: by sealing cavities, fillings can help prevent bacterial infections, abscesses and loss of teeth.
  • Variety of materials: Different materials and types are available, allowing your dentist to pick the best option for your needs.

Bonding Vs Fillings: Which Is Best For You?

Now that you know the basic differences between dental bonding and fillings, it’s time to answer the important question: Bonding vs Fillings — which one should you choose? The answer is based on your specific dental needs. Let’s examine how these two procedures differ and when each might be more appropriate.

When To Choose Dental Bonding?

Dental bonding is probably the preferable option if you want to improve the appearance of your smile and don’t have any structural issues like cavities. Bonding can treat a wide range of cosmetic dental issues, including:

  • Chipped or cracked teeth
  • Gaps between teeth
  • Discoloration that cannot be treated with whitening 
  • Uneven teeth

Furthermore, dental bonding is suitable for individuals seeking a rapid, non-invasive, cost-effective procedure. However, bonding cannot last as long as other procedures, so you may need to have it touched up after a few years.

When To Choose Dental Fillings?

Dental fillings are important for treating cavities and tooth decay. If you have any decay, your dentist will most likely advise a filling to keep the decay from deteriorating. Here’s when a filling is the best option:

  • Cavities or small to medium tooth decay
  • Cracked or broken teeth due to trauma or decay
  • Loss of structure in a tooth
  • Before crown placement

While dental fillings are primarily a functional procedure, composite fillings can be tooth-colored, so they will not detract from your smile’s appearance.

The ultimate decision is whether you want cosmetic improvement( in which case bonding is an excellent option) or to treat a decaying or damaged tooth ( in which fillings are more appropriate. If you are confused, consult with one of the best dentists in NJ, for personalized advice.

Dental Bonding Vs Fillings: Cost Difference

Cost is an important consideration when choosing between dental bonding vs fillings. The good news is that both treatments are reasonably priced, especially when compared to more invasive ones like crowns or veneers.

Dental Bonding Cost

Dental bonding is often less expensive than fillings, with rates ranging from $200 to $500 per tooth, depending on the complexity of the case, location, and dentist’s experience. Simple cases like small chips will be less expensive, while more extensive bonding can cost more.

Moreover, dental bonding is usually classified as a cosmetic treatment. Thus, insurance coverage can be limited unless the bonding is necessary for practical purposes such as repairing a chipped tooth.

Dental Fillings Cost

In contrast to bonding, the cost of dental fillings varies according to the materials utilized. Composite fillings cost between $150 and $400 per tooth, but amalgam fillings are less expensive, ranging from $50 to $400. High-quality materials such as gold or porcelain can cost up to $1800 per tooth.

The size and area of the cavity influence the cost since larger fillings can require more material, time, and expertise. The good news is that fillings are generally covered by insurance since they treat tooth decay and are, therefore, an essential treatment.

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Conclusion

When weighing dental bonding vs fillings, it’s important to know that each treatment serves a different purpose. In short, dental bonding is perfect for people who want to improve the appearance of their smile, whereas fillings are necessary for people who have cavities or decay.

Improve your smile with professional dental bonding in NJ, at Hesed Dental Clinic. Our skilled team, known as the best dentists in NJ, is committed to providing top-quality, customized dental care. So book your appointment online or call us at 201 941 8877.

Contact Hesed Dental Clinic

Do you have a toothache or think you may need a root canal? Call or find us online for a convenient appointment at Hesed Dental Clinic. Our skilled, professional staff is ready to gently and efficiently treat your dental issues. We are located at 543 Gorge Road, Cliffside Park, NJ 07010. We look forward to helping you restore optimal dental health and a natural, beautiful, pain-free smile.