Cosmetic Fillings
Also called “metal-free” or “holistic” dentistry, tooth-colored dental fillings and bonding are safer and look better than old metal fillings. Our New Jersey dentists use a white composite teeth filling made from strong bonding material for teeth. This filling matches your natural tooth color, so it blends in well.
These fillings are not only attractive but also last a long time. They help strengthen teeth and make them less likely to crack. Another big benefit is that less of your real tooth needs to be removed. The dental bonding material sticks firmly to your tooth, helping it last longer.
We focus on restoring your teeth in a way that helps them stay strong and healthy for life.
Cosmetic Bonding
Bonding dental work is one of the most common cosmetic treatments for fixing gaps, chips, or small flaws. Our dentists use teeth bonding material that is shaped and bonded directly onto your tooth to cover these issues.
Bonding is a gentle, noninvasive option that could be a great fix if you’re happy with your smile but have minor concerns. Many patients choose bonding to make small but noticeable improvements.
Are you wondering about dental bonding vs. filling, or which one is right for you? We’re happy to explain the differences between bonding and filling and guide you through your options.
To learn more about dental fillings and bonding or to determine whether you’re a good candidate, contact us today to schedule your consultation!
What Are Dental Fillings?
Dental fillings fix small holes in teeth caused by cavities. Cavities happen when sugar and bacteria damage teeth over time. If you don’t treat it, the decay can spread and get worse.
If caught early, the dentist removes the damaged part and fills the space with a composite tooth filling. This type of filling looks just like your natural tooth.
How Dental Fillings Work?
The dentist first checks your tooth to make sure it’s strong enough for a filling. Then, they clean out the decay by drilling a small hole. Once cleaned, the hole is filled with bonding material for teeth that stops the cavity from growing. This dental bonding material also helps the tooth stay strong and last longer.
What Is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding is different from a filling. It is used to fix chipped, cracked, or worn teeth. That’s the main difference between dental bonding and filling. Both use similar teeth bonding material, but the purpose is different. Fillings treat decay, while bondings fix the shape or look of a tooth.
How Dental Bonding Works?
In bonding dental procedures, your dentist applies a small amount of bonding material for teeth to the damaged area. Then, they use a special light to harden the material. This seals the crack or chip and makes your tooth look like new. Bonding can improve your smile and stop more damage from happening.
Talk to your dentist to learn more about dental fillings and bonding or to understand bonding vs. filling. Both treatments can help protect and restore your teeth with natural-looking results.
Fillings and Bondings – What to Expect
Dental fillings and bonding both use the same tooth-colored material. However, they are used for different reasons. Bonding dental work is mostly cosmetic, while fillings help stop tooth decay from spreading.
Both treatments can improve your smile and protect your teeth. Talk to your local dentist to see which one is right for you. After your treatment, your teeth might feel a little sensitive. This is normal and should go away soon. You should eat soft foods that are not too hot or cold until your mouth adjusts.
When Is Dental Bonding Recommended?
Dental bondings are great for cosmetic changes. Dentists use teeth bonding material to:
- Cover chips or cracks
- Hide tooth stains
- Close small gap
- Make short teeth look longer
- Change the shape of a tooth
This same composite teeth filling material is also used to:
- Fill small cavities
- Replace old silver fillings
- Protect roots exposed from gum loss
If you’re wondering about dental bonding vs. filling, it helps to know that they serve different purposes. Bonding vs. filling decisions depends on whether the issue is cosmetic or related to decay. Either way, dental fillings, and bonding can restore the look and health of your smile.
What Happens Before Teeth Bonding?
Before starting bonding dental treatment, your dentist will discuss your smile goals. They’ll take X-rays and check your teeth and gums. If you have serious issues like gum disease or deep decay, those will need treatment first. Only healthy teeth are ready for dental fillings and bonding.
What Happens During Dental Bonding?
Here’s what to expect during your bonding procedure:
- Shade Selection: The dentist picks a color that matches your tooth.
- Tooth Prep: The surface of your tooth is cleaned and roughened. A liquid is applied to help the bonding material for teeth stick.
- Resin Application: A soft, tooth-colored dental bonding material is placed and shaped.
- Curing: A special light hardens the resin to bond to your tooth.
- Final Polish: Your dentist trims and polishes the bonded area to match your natural tooth.
30-60 minutes are needed for each teeth.
Is Dental Bonding Painful?
Most people feel no pain during bondings. Because they don’t affect the nerves inside their teeth, no shots are usually needed. Some may feel mild sensitivity afterward, but over-the-counter pain medicine can help.
What Happens After Teeth Bonding?
After teeth bonding material is applied, keep your teeth clean to protect your new smile. Use a soft brush and fluroide toothpaste and brush your teeth twice a day.
If you’re wondering about dental bonding vs. filling, remember that bonding is mostly cosmetic, while composite tooth fillings are for fixing decay. Still, both are part of dental fillings and bonding treatments that keep your smile healthy and looking great.
Advantages of Dental Bonding
Dental bondings have many benefits, especially for small cosmetic fixes. The procedure is:
- Minimally invasive. Unlike crowns or veneers, bonding usually doesn’t need enamel removed.
- Affordable. It’s one of the lowest-cost cosmetic dental treatments.
- Versatile. Teeth bonding material can cover chips, cracks, stains, and small gaps.
- Quick. Most bonding dental treatments are done in just one visit. No waiting for lab-made parts.
It’s a great choice when you want fast, simple improvements to your smile using dental bonding material.
Disadvantages of Dental Bonding
Even though bonding looks great, it does have some downsides:
- The bonding material for teeth can stain more easily than porcelain.
- It doesn’t last as long as crowns or veneers.
- The material can chip over time, especially if you bite hard objects.
If you’re deciding between dental bonding and filling, remember bonding is best for minor cosmetic fixes. A composite tooth filling is usually used to treat decay.
Both are part of dental fillings and bonding treatments that help improve and protect your smile. For bigger smile makeovers, porcelain veneers might be a better fit.
Are Dental Bonding and Fillings the Same?
Dental fillings and bonding may use the same materials, but they are used for different reasons. A trusted dentist can help you choose which is right for you based on your needs. Here’s how bonding vs filling compares.
Dental Bonding
Bonding dental treatment is used to fix cosmetic and minor damage issues. It involves placing a tooth-colored dental bonding material on the tooth. The resin bonding material for teeth is hardened using a special light. This makes it strong and helps it stick to your tooth.
Dental bondings are great for fixing chips, cracks, stains, uneven shapes, and small gaps. The treatment is quick—usually done in one visit and takes about 30 to 60 minutes. In most cases, no shots or drilling are needed, making bonding a good choice for people who are nervous at the dentist’s.
The teeth bonding material blends well with your natural teeth, so it’s not noticeable. If you care for your teeth, bonding can last up to 10 years. It’s also more affordable than crowns or veneers.
Dental Bonding Procedure
Bonding dental treatments fix minor flaws in teeth and are also used for cosmetic changes. Bonding uses the same dental bonding material as fillings, but the goal is usually to improve your smile.
You may need dental bonding if:
- You have small chips or cracks
- You have gaps between your teeth
- You have stains that don’t respond to whitening.
How the Procedure Works:
- Prepare the Tooth – The tooth is cleaned, and the surface is roughened.
- Apply Bonding Agent – An adhesive helps the teeth bonding material stay in place.
- Add Composite – The composite teeth filling material is shaped on your tooth.
- Cure the Material – A curing light hardens the resin.
- Shape and Polish – We shape and polish the bonded area for a natural look.
If you’re comparing dental bonding vs filling, bonding is more for cosmetic fixes, while fillings treat decay. Still, both are part of our dental fillings and bonding services to restore and enhance your smile.
Dental Fillings
Fillings are one of the most common dental procedures. They are mainly used to repair tooth decay. A dentist removes your tooth’s decayed part, cleans the area, and fills it with a durable material. The tooth is then shaped and polished to look and feel natural.
Different materials can be used, including silver, gold, composite teeth fillings, porcelain, or glass ionomer. White composite teeth fillings and porcelain fillings are most popular because they match teeth color.
Fillings usually take 20 to 60 minutes. Local anesthesia may be used if the decay is deep. A filling can stop decay from spreading and restore your tooth’s function. With good care, depending on the material, fillings can last 5 to 25 years.
If you’re comparing dental bonding vs filling, remember bonding is more for looks, while fillings are for fixing decay. Still, both are part of dental fillings and bonding services that improve your oral health and appearance.
Dental Fillings Procedure
Dental fillings and bonding are both used to restore teeth, but fillings are usually for damage caused by decay. We use tooth-colored composite teeth-filling material that blends with your natural teeth for a smooth, natural look.
You may need a dental filling if:
- You have a cavity
- Your tooth has small chips or cracks
- Your tooth is worn down
How the Procedure Works:
- Remove Decay – The decayed part of your tooth is removed, and the area is cleaned.
- Apply Bonding Agent – An adhesive is placed to help the filling stick.
- Fill the Tooth – A tooth-colored bonding material for teeth is added.
- Cure the Filling – A special light hardens the material.
- Shape and Polish: The filling is shaped and polished for a smooth finish.
Comparison Between Dental Bonding and Fillings
When choosing between dental bonding and filling, it helps to understand the differences:
- Material Used: Bonding dental procedures use tooth-colored dental bonding material that blends in with your smile. Like composite teeth filling, fillings can be silver (amalgam) or white.
- Durability: Fillings, especially metal ones, last longer and can handle more pressure. Bondings are strong but may chip or wear down sooner.
- Aesthetics: Bonding looks more natural. Fillings, especially silver ones, are more noticeable on front teeth.
- Cost: Bonding is usually cheaper. Some composite teeth filling types cost more due to better materials.
- Tooth Preservation: Fillings often require more of the tooth to be removed.
When Is Dental Bonding Better?
Bonding is best for small cosmetic changes. Dentists may use teeth bonding material to:
- Fix small chips or cracks
- Close tiny gaps
- Cover stained teeth
- Fill small cavities
- Change tooth shape or length
Bonding may not be ideal for big cavities or back teeth with heavy pressure.
When Are Dental Fillings Better?
Fillings are used to treat decay and damaged teeth. They are best for:
- Medium or large cavities
- Teeth with serious decay
- Fixing broken teeth
- Strengthening teeth used for chewing
Pros of Dental Bonding
- Quick and simple
- Budget-friendly
- Matches natural teeth
- It keeps most of the tooth intact.
Cons of Dental Bonding
- May not last as long as a filling
- Not ideal for larger repairs
- Can stain or discolor over time
Pros of Dental Fillings
- Very durable, especially metal ones
- Good for large cavities and chewing teeth
- It doesn’t stain easily.
Cons of Dental Fillings
- Composite fillings can cost more
- Metal fillings don’t look as natural
Whether you need bonding or a filling, both are part of dental fillings and bonding treatments that restore function and improve your smile. If you’re unsure about bonding vs filling, talk to your dentist for the best option based on your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are dental fillings and bonding?
Dental fillings and bonding are treatments that fix damaged or decayed teeth. Both use tooth-colored material to restore the shape and look of your teeth. They also help protect your teeth from further damage.
2. What’s the difference between dental bonding and fillings?
Fillings are mainly used to treat cavities caused by decay, while bonding is more for cosmetic fixes like chips or gaps. While both use similar materials, their purposes are different.
3. Are dental fillings and bonding painful?
These treatments are usually not painful. For fillings, your dentist may numb the area. Bonding is gentle and often done without any anesthesia.
4. How long do dental fillings and bonding last?
Composite tooth fillings can last 5 to 25 years, depending on the material and care. Bonding usually lasts 5 to 10 years before it may need a touch-up.
5. Can bonding and fillings match my tooth color?
Yes, both use dental bonding material that matches your tooth shade. Once polished, it blends well with your natural teeth and is hard to notice.
6. When do I need a dental filling?
If you have a cavity, a small crack, or a worn-down tooth, you may need a filling.
7. When is dental bonding a better option?
Bonding is great for small cosmetic problems like chipped teeth, gaps, or stains. It’s quick, painless, and usually done in one visit.
8. What material is used for dental fillings and bonding?
Both treatments often use bonding material for teeth called composite resin. It’s safe, strong, and looks like your real tooth.
9. Is dental bonding vs filling more expensive?
Bonding is usually cheaper than some types of fillings like gold or porcelain. However, it may not last as long and could need repairs over time.
10. How do I care for teeth after dental fillings and bonding?
Brush twice a day, floss daily, and avoid biting hard foods or objects. Regular dental check-ups help keep your dental fillings and bonding in great condition.
