Proper dental health is vital in making sure you keep a bright smile for longer. However, even after observing dental health in the best way possible, most people still have to do one restorative procedure or another. Accidents happen all the time and a chipped tooth is the most likely type of dental issue most people encounter. Fixing such a problem shouldn’t be a problem; it involves routine procedures that don’t take much to complete. For a chipped tooth, you can opt for dental procedures such as bonding, dental crowns, fillings and veneers.
Easy as it may be to fix a broken tooth, most patients are faced with the dilemma of which procedure to go for. There are a lot of questions that need to be answered before a patient can settle on one procedure over the other. One of the first concerns for a person with a chipped tooth is how much the correction will cost them. Other concerns include how long each procedure lasts, how invasive it is, and the recovery period.
This article focuses on two options which can be applied in such a scenario; bonding and dental crowns. The two may have the same outcome but the procedure behind each is unique and it helps to know which procedure is the best for your situation.
Contents
Dental bonding vs Crowns
There are a number of aspects about the two dental procedures that set them apart. First off should be the amount of tooth mass lost. Dental bonding is used to fix minor problems with the dental formula such as chips, cracks and gaps. Dental crowns on the other hand involve the loss of a much large part of the enamel to decay or previous unsuccessful procedures.
It is also worth noting that dental bonding is not as invasive as crowns. The procedure for dental bonding takes no more than an hour and a half while crowning a bad tooth will take two visits to complete.
Dental bonding
Dental bonding is a process where teeth are filled with composite resin. The resin can be used to fill teeth from the front or the back for the best results. During the procedure, specific dental materials attached to the teeth with the help of dental adhesives after which curing is done using high intensity light.
Composite resins are known to be the best solution when it comes to restoring decayed teeth, improving the colour of teeth by removing discolorations and stains and also for some cosmetic improvements. Composite resin also works well for reshaping teeth when they are crooked or misaligned.
Bonding basically hides the flaws on your dental formula by spreading a coat of plastic materials to cover the cracks and chips. The material is then hardened using a high-intensity light then polished to give your tooth surface a smooth and shiny look.
There are also dental bonding techniques that have become very popular when it comes to fixing problems on the tooth surface. They can be done as:
- Adhesive bonding
- Airect composite bonding
Adhesive bonding
Adhesive bonding applies the use of an etchant, a bonding agent that attaches restorations to the teeth with a high-intensity light. The method is popularly used in combination with aesthetic treatments like bridges, free crowns, inlays/onlays or porcelain veneers.
Direct composite bonding
In direct composite bonding, the professional uses a tooth-coloured composite that resembles the natural colour of teeth. The artificial materials are used to fill up cavities and repair chipped or cracked teeth as well as filling gaps between teeth. The materials can also be used to restore worn out teeth by covering the edges. Placing the composite material is a simple and precise process that only takes a single visit to the dentist to complete.
Veneer bonding
In direct composite bonding, the professional uses a tooth-coloured composite that resembles the natural colour of teeth. The artificial materials are used to fill up cavities and repair chipped or cracked teeth as well as filling gaps between teeth. The materials can also be used to restore worn out teeth by covering the edges. Placing the composite material is a simple and precise process that only takes a single visit to the dentist to complete.
Porcelain veneers are stronger than composite veneers and are made in a laboratory from a mould of the person’s teeth. They cost more than composite veneers but also have a better aesthetic appearance. Porcelain mimics natural teeth since it has the same light reflecting qualities. It is also more resistant to stains that the composite type.
The procedure
The type of composite bonding you choose will determine whether you get composite or adhesive bonding. The doctor can also advice you on the type of bonding to take according to your needs.
Preparation
There is a little preparation that is done before the procedure can begin. Dental boding does not use anaesthesia except when the tooth is decayed. It will also be used when the tooth to be operated on is to be drilled to get the right shape or when the chip is close to the nerve. The doctor selects a resin in a shade that resembles the colour of your teeth with the help of a shade guide.
The dentist places a rubber dam which separates your teeth from the gum to stop moisture. Once the dental dam is in place, the tooth is slightly roughened then a conditioning liquid applied. This first stage enables the bonding agent to attach to the tooth properly. Phosphoric acid solution is then applied on the tooth surface. It is mild and you will not feel any sensitivity when it is applied. Phosphoric acid does not cause pain or discomfort. When acid is applied on the tooth surface, it strengthens the bond thus making it last longer. It is left to sit for 15 minutes for the firming process to occur.
If you are having direct composite bonding, the dentist places the resin on the surface of your natural teeth for shaping and sculpting. After this, the high-intensity light is used to harden the composite layer after which the process is repeated again. The dentist applies the composite resin again and again repeating this process until the composite veneer is shaped properly. After the sculpting process is done, the dentist creates a finish that guards your teeth and keeps the resin from dislodging or causing sensitivity. The final layer is also polished to give the resin the natural sheen of teeth.
When dental bonding is recommended
A dental crown is recommended in the following cases:
- When the chewing surface is worn out due to bruxism
- When getting a dental implant to replace a single lost tooth
- When root canal has previously been performed on the tooth and it is important that the
- For disproportionately small teeth
- For A misaligned bite
- For teeth that need additional strength and support
- remaining tooth structure is preserved
- For severely cracked or chipped teeth
- For severely discoloured teeth which are unlikely to be restored by less invasive methods
- For excessively damaged teeth which cannot support an inlay/onlay or a filling
- For a bridge to be attached
To qualify for dental crowns, the patient must have healthy gums since the prosthetic will work hand in hand with the part of the tooth that is still healthy to buttress the crown.
The cost of bonding vs crowns
Though there is the typical cost for each procedure, the payments for dental treatments vary from case to case and this includes bonding and crowning. Dental bonding is particularly hard to price since it often is included into the total cost for the procedure it accompanies. Dental crowns also apply adhesive bonding thus coming up with a definite price can be a problem.
For direct composite bonding, the cost ranges between $350 and $600 per tooth. When another dental procedure such as veneers is added the price increases to $700 to $1,500 per tooth. Dental crowns on the other hand are easier to price. The typical charges range between $1,000 and $3,500.
Dental crowns are much more expensive than bonding. Even so, they are more durable and can be used to recover deteriorated dental health.
Special care for dental bonding vs Dental crowns
Most patients always want to know what they could do to keep their smiles after restoration. Dental bonding and dental crowns are taken care of just like normal teeth. There is no special attention required as long as you maintain hygiene. Good hygiene includes flossing and brushing teeth. There are no special ways to keep the results as fresh as they were the very first time. You, however, need to ensure a strict oral hygiene routine.
Lifespan of the dental procedure
The two procedures both have good value for money when it comes to a how long they would last. With proper oral hygiene dental bonding and dental crowns can last for up to 10 years with the lifespan for crowns extending to 15 years.
Dental bonding vs Crowns
There are a number of aspects about the two dental procedures that set them apart. First off should be the amount of tooth mass lost. Dental bonding is used to fix minor problems with the dental formula such as chips, cracks and gaps. Dental crowns on the other hand involve the loss of a much large part of the enamel to decay or previous unsuccessful procedures.
It is also worth noting that dental bonding is not as invasive as crowns. The procedure for dental bonding takes no more than an hour and a half while crowning a bad tooth will take two visits to complete.
Dental bonding
Dental bonding is a process where teeth are filled with composite resin. The resin can be used to fill teeth from the front or the back for the best results. During the procedure, specific dental materials attached to the teeth with the help of dental adhesives after which curing is done using high intensity light.
Composite resins are known to be the best solution when it comes to restoring decayed teeth, improving the colour of teeth by removing discolorations and stains and also for some cosmetic improvements. Composite resin also works well for reshaping teeth when they are crooked or misaligned.
Bonding basically hides the flaws on your dental formula by spreading a coat of plastic materials to cover the cracks and chips. The material is then hardened using a high-intensity light then polished to give your tooth surface a smooth and shiny look.
There are also dental bonding techniques that have become very popular when it comes to fixing problems on the tooth surface. They can be done as:
- Adhesive bonding
- Airect composite bonding
Adhesive bonding
Adhesive bonding applies the use of an etchant, a bonding agent that attaches restorations to the teeth with a high-intensity light. The method is popularly used in combination with aesthetic treatments like bridges, free crowns, inlays/onlays or porcelain veneers.
Direct composite bonding
In direct composite bonding, the professional uses a tooth-coloured composite that resembles the natural colour of teeth. The artificial materials are used to fill up cavities and repair chipped or cracked teeth as well as filling gaps between teeth. The materials can also be used to restore worn out teeth by covering the edges. Placing the composite material is a simple and precise process that only takes a single visit to the dentist to complete.
Veneer bonding
In direct composite bonding, the professional uses a tooth-coloured composite that resembles the natural colour of teeth. The artificial materials are used to fill up cavities and repair chipped or cracked teeth as well as filling gaps between teeth. The materials can also be used to restore worn out teeth by covering the edges. Placing the composite material is a simple and precise process that only takes a single visit to the dentist to complete.
Porcelain veneers are stronger than composite veneers and are made in a laboratory from a mould of the person’s teeth. They cost more than composite veneers but also have a better aesthetic appearance. Porcelain mimics natural teeth since it has the same light reflecting qualities. It is also more resistant to stains that the composite type.
The procedure
The type of composite bonding you choose will determine whether you get composite or adhesive bonding. The doctor can also advice you on the type of bonding to take according to your needs.
Preparation
There is a little preparation that is done before the procedure can begin. Dental boding does not use anaesthesia except when the tooth is decayed. It will also be used when the tooth to be operated on is to be drilled to get the right shape or when the chip is close to the nerve. The doctor selects a resin in a shade that resembles the colour of your teeth with the help of a shade guide.
The dentist places a rubber dam which separates your teeth from the gum to stop moisture. Once the dental dam is in place, the tooth is slightly roughened then a conditioning liquid applied. This first stage enables the bonding agent to attach to the tooth properly. Phosphoric acid solution is then applied on the tooth surface. It is mild and you will not feel any sensitivity when it is applied. Phosphoric acid does not cause pain or discomfort. When acid is applied on the tooth surface, it strengthens the bond thus making it last longer. It is left to sit for 15 minutes for the firming process to occur.
If you are having direct composite bonding, the dentist places the resin on the surface of your natural teeth for shaping and sculpting. After this, the high-intensity light is used to harden the composite layer after which the process is repeated again. The dentist applies the composite resin again and again repeating this process until the composite veneer is shaped properly. After the sculpting process is done, the dentist creates a finish that guards your teeth and keeps the resin from dislodging or causing sensitivity. The final layer is also polished to give the resin the natural sheen of teeth.
When dental bonding is recommended
A dental crown is recommended in the following cases:
- When the chewing surface is worn out due to bruxism
- When getting a dental implant to replace a single lost tooth
- When root canal has previously been performed on the tooth and it is important that the
- For disproportionately small teeth
- For A misaligned bite
- For teeth that need additional strength and support
- remaining tooth structure is preserved
- For severely cracked or chipped teeth
- For severely discoloured teeth which are unlikely to be restored by less invasive methods
- For excessively damaged teeth which cannot support an inlay/onlay or a filling
- For a bridge to be attached
To qualify for dental crowns, the patient must have healthy gums since the prosthetic will work hand in hand with the part of the tooth that is still healthy to buttress the crown.
The cost of bonding vs crowns
Though there is the typical cost for each procedure, the payments for dental treatments vary from case to case and this includes bonding and crowning. Dental bonding is particularly hard to price since it often is included into the total cost for the procedure it accompanies. Dental crowns also apply adhesive bonding thus coming up with a definite price can be a problem.
For direct composite bonding, the cost ranges between $350 and $600 per tooth. When another dental procedure such as veneers is added the price increases to $700 to $1,500 per tooth. Dental crowns on the other hand are easier to price. The typical charges range between $1,000 and $3,500.
Dental crowns are much more expensive than bonding. Even so, they are more durable and can be used to recover deteriorated dental health.
Special care for dental bonding vs Dental crowns
Most patients always want to know what they could do to keep their smiles after restoration. Dental bonding and dental crowns are taken care of just like normal teeth. There is no special attention required as long as you maintain hygiene. Good hygiene includes flossing and brushing teeth. There are no special ways to keep the results as fresh as they were the very first time. You, however, need to ensure a strict oral hygiene routine.
Lifespan of the dental procedure
The two procedures both have good value for money when it comes to a how long they would last. With proper oral hygiene dental bonding and dental crowns can last for up to 10 years with the lifespan for crowns extending to 15 years.
Pros and cons of choosing dental bonding
Each of these procedures has an advantageous and disadvantageous side to it. These are aspects about the process that need to be looked at by the patient before choosing one over the other.
Pros
- Offers aesthetic appeal which attracts a lot of people to pick it over the more invasive choice
- No anaesthesia is administered
- It has been used to replace silver fillings and has become more popular across the globe
Composite bonding allows the patient to remove only the decayed part of the tooth leaving the rest of the tooth intact making treatment more comfortable and easier over the years.
Cons
The treatment offers a lot of benefits and it’s hard to pick out something about it that is off. That being said, the results take a while before they manifest. Dental bonding is an easy, single visit treatment that is inexpensive and safe; there is hardly anything that might disadvantage the patient.
When compared to crowns, the material used in dental bonding is not as stain resistant. The material can also degenerate very fast when oral hygiene is ignored and may even chip or break the tooth.
Pros and cons of choosing dental crowns
Pros
- Crowns are versatile such that every patient can find a suitable fit with a material they like and a payable cost
- Crowns made of gold are a better fit with a higher amount of gold
- Porcelain crowns have the same appearance as natural teeth since they are translucent
- Gold crowns are very resistant to wear
Cons
- Involves trimming the tooth to be restored which can lead to significant loss of tooth mass. This is usually undesirable for patients
- Metal crowns are conspicuous which is not desirable for most people hence can only be placed on the back teeth.
- For porcelain and ceramic crowns, the material may not be suitable for teeth that require a lot of chewing as they lack strength
Choosing dental crowns may be a long term solution to dental issues. However, it does not come without some unwanted aspects. Different types of crowns present different challenges which your dentist will discuss with you before the procedure is done.
What procedure do you go with?
This is a personal question that should be thought about seriously. Some of the procedures are reversible and others cannot be undone. The financial aspect of things also determines what kind of procedure to go with. Whichever procedure you decide to pick between the two, each is effective and beneficial. People who have had crowns or dental bonding are always advised to stay away from hard foods to preserve their restorations. Depending on the severity, desired results and budget, patients eventually find a treatment that suits their needs.
