Dental Bonding vs. Dental Crowns for Chipped Teeth

If you damage a tooth, then you can benefit from restoring the tooth with dental bonding or a dental crown. For the health of your tooth and your comfort, it is important to make a decision regarding which material to use to complete the restoration quickly. Otherwise, leaving a damaged tooth will risk infection or spreading the damage to other areas of the mouth. Before getting started, it helps to have information about both solutions, while understanding the long-term pros and cons of each decision.

Dental bonding

The bonding material can be highly effective if the chipped tooth is not too badly damaged. If the chip is rather small and does not extend throughout the entire tooth, the bonding material can be an effective solution. In some cases, bonding can even be applied if a large portion of the tooth is missing, but it really depends on each situation.

We apply the bonding material directly to the surface of the tooth, allowing the material to adhere in place and harden so that the restored tooth can function like a natural tooth. It is a non-invasive solution that we can complete in one appointment, will blend in with the natural tooth and is affordable. For all of these reasons, many patients prefer dental bonding, especially for children.

Dental Crowns

Crowns are generally used if the damage is more severe. The more of the tooth structure that is missing, the more likely it will be that a dental crown is the right solution. A crown is a cap that surrounds the tooth entirely, restoring its appearance and functionality. Crowns can be created using tooth-colored materials as well, so they can also blend in with the surrounding teeth.

A crown typically takes multiple appointments since we need to make an impression of the tooth and send it to a dental lab to make it. While waiting, a patient may need to wear a temporary crown to protect the tooth. The dental crown makes restorations a two or three step process that costs more money than dental bonding. However, crowns typically last far longer than bonding material and are more durable. Older patients tend to prefer the longevity and durability of crowns.

Dental bonding vs. dental crowns

Both solutions are effective ways to restore the appearance and function of a chipped tooth. When patients visit our office, we conduct an examination and take X-rays. This will allow us to make a thorough recommendation regarding the best way to restore the tooth. During this time, we will further explain the pros and cons of each solution and invite questions.

Patients need to consider factors like lifetime cost and long-term results when making a decision on whether to choose dental bonding or crowns. If time and cost are the most important, bonding is the best solution. If long-term results and maintenance are the primary concerns, a dental crown should be used.

Learn more about these and other solutions by scheduling an appointment with James E Sullivan DDS today.