If you have chipped, cracked, or discolored teeth, you may be weighing different options to find the cosmetic procedure that will work best for you. Dental bonding is one treatment that can help. During this procedure, your dentist will apply a tooth-colored resin to your teeth and cure it with a special light so that it bonds to your enamel and covers up any defects.

You'll want to consult with a cosmetic dentist in your area to help you decide on the best course of treatment. In the meantime, if you are leaning towards bonding, here are four reasons why this could be a great way to treat your concerns.

Bonding Is Quick and Painless

While you may need multiple appointments for other cosmetic procedures, you usually only need one for bonding. Once you and your dentist have picked out which shade you want for the bonding material, they can then shape it to your enamel. While some teeth — like those with decay — may require a local anesthetic for placement, bonding usually doesn't require anesthesia and is a painless procedure.

Bonding Can Cover Intrinsic Stains

Tooth stains fall into two basic categories: extrinsic and intrinsic stains. Extrinsic stains include things like tobacco or wine stains, and these stains occur on the outer surfaces of your enamel. Intrinsic stains, on the other hand, are stains that arise underneath the enamel layer. For instance, some medications may cause intrinsic stains. Some cosmetic procedures, like whitening, may require enamel abrasion beforehand so that the bleaching gel can actually penetrate and reach deep intrinsic stains. However, if you don't want to undergo this type of treatment, you could just opt for bonding, which will cover up the stain without requiring any extra preparatory procedures.

You Don't Have to Lose Enamel for Placement

Bonding is often compared to veneers, but in order for veneers to fit over your teeth, your dentist will need to remove a small amount of enamel. On the other hand, because bonding resin is so moldable, your dentist can shape the material to fit over your teeth without you needing to lose any enamel.

Bonding Is More Affordable Than Other Options

Costhelper says that bonding is one of the least expensive cosmetic procedures. It may only cost you a few hundred dollars, and you may be able to get a portion of the cost covered by insurance. While bonding doesn't have the lifespan of other procedures, Costhelper says that the bonding material can last between 7 to 11 years with good care. Since other procedures may not be covered by insurance and could be thousands of dollars, bonding may just be a better option for your wallet.

Reach out to a cosmetic dentist in your area today to learn more.