Cons of Bonding
There are many pros to bonding a tooth. In fact, bonding might be the best option for your dental circumstances – something you should discuss with your dentist. But we want you to know the downsides of bonding versus veneers, crowns, and similar options.
Bonding Isn't as Durable
The material used in teeth bonding is made of a special type of plastic called composite resin. It's a strong material, but the resin isn't as durable as your natural tooth enamel. Nor is it as hardy as the porcelain and other materials used in veneers or dental crowns.
You can keep your bonded teeth in the best shape by:
- Being particularly careful about eating and biting down on hard foods, which can cause the bond to chip or break.
- Noticing if your bonded teeth feel rough or jagged – or if your bite seems uneven. At that point, visit your dentist to see if the tooth needs filed down or replaced.
Bonding Isn't as Long-Lasting
Keep in mind that because teeth bonding isn't as resilient as its alternatives, it usually has a shorter shelf life. You can expect a bond to last around 10 years.
How well you take care of your teeth and gums, alongside your regular lifestyle habits, plays a big part in determining the life of the bond.
Bonding Isn't as Stain-Resistant
Another pitfall of dental bonding is that the material often used to create the bond isn't particularly resistant to stains. Since composite resin is more porous than tooth enamel or porcelain, it absorbs a deep-colored food more easily.
If you're a regular coffee or red-wine drinker or love deep-colored berries, you might notice the bonded tooth discolors more quickly and noticeably than your natural teeth. Limiting coffee, wine, berries, and similar foods and drinks is the easiest way to avoid staining the bonding resin.