Is Dental Bonding a Better Alternative to Gum Grafting?

Receding gums are a growing concern, especially as we age. Research shows that 90% of older adults experience gum recession on at least one tooth.

While gum recession doesn’t always require treatment if it remains stable, it can sometimes affect your smile and oral health. Fortunately, there are effective solutions to restore your gums and bring back a more youthful appearance.

In this article, we’ll compare two popular treatments—gingival grafting and composite bonding—to help you make an informed decision.

How Can Dental Bonding Fix Receding Gums?

There’s no magic trick to fixing gum recession with bonding—it’s all about illusion. A dentist applies a tooth-colored composite material to the exposed roots, reshaping and contouring them to create the appearance of a natural, recession-free gumline.

One of the most noticeable effects of receding gums is the formation of black triangles between teeth. These gaps can make your smile look older and affect your overall facial appearance. Dental bonding is particularly effective at filling these spaces, often delivering instant and impressive aesthetic results.

However, it’s important to note that bonding doesn’t rebuild or strengthen your gums. It’s a cosmetic solution that reshapes the teeth to visually conceal recessions—nothing more, nothing less.

Is Dental Bonding Better Than Gum Grafting?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer—each treatment has its own pros, cons, and specific indications depending on your personal situation.

Dental bonding may be a better option if you’re looking for a quick, affordable, and non-invasive solution for cosmetic concerns. The procedure requires no surgery, no recovery time, and can usually be completed in a single visit. Plus, it’s cheaper than alternatives like gum grafting, the pinhole surgical technique, or orthodontic treatments.

However, bonding doesn’t target the gums—it only reshapes the teeth to create the illusion of a normal gumline. If your goal is to protect and strengthen your gums or prevent further recession, bonding won’t help. In fact, it can sometimes trap plaque and food, making it harder to clean your teeth properly. Over time, this can lead to inflammation and even worsen gum recession.

When Gum Grafting Wins Over Dental Bonding?

If your gums are fragile or your recession is severe, gum grafting is likely the better choice. Besides covering exposed roots, a gum graft strengthens your gums, addressing both functional and cosmetic concerns.

In some cases, gum grafting is the only viable solution. For example, in advanced gum recession (as shown in the image below), bonding alone wouldn’t be enough to restore the appearance of the teeth. A gum graft is necessary to rebuild lost tissue and properly cover the exposed roots.

However, not everyone is a good candidate for this procedure. In addition, like any surgical procedure, gum grafting requires recovery and healing time, so results aren’t as instant as with bonding. While complications are rare, there is a small risk of failure, but this can be minimized by carefully following postoperative care instructions.

When Is Dental Bonding the Right Choice?

Dental bonding for gum recession isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution—it works best in specific situations. Here’s when bonding might be a good option for you:

• ✅ Your gum recession is minor – Composite bonding is effective for small recessions, especially in the spaces between teeth.


• ✅ Your gums are healthy – Inflammation-free gums are a prerequisite for a successful bonding procedure (same goes for grafting). If you have gum disease, bonding won’t be a suitable option.


• ✅ Your recession is stable – The recession must be under control before treatment. If it’s still progressing, bonding could make things worse.


• ✅ You have excellent oral hygiene – Poor hygiene can not only worsen gum disease but also cause the composite to stain and wear down quickly.


• ✅ You want instant results – The bonding technique offers the fastest cosmetic improvement, usually in a single visit.


• ✅ Your concern is primarily cosmetic – If you’re looking to improve the appearance of your smile rather than strengthen your gums, bonding is a great option.


• ✅ You’re not a candidate for surgery – If you can’t undergo a gum graft, bonding can be a non-invasive alternative to visually conceal exposed roots.

When Gum Surgery is the Best Option for You

Here’s when a gum graft might be a better choice:

• ✅ You’re a good candidate for surgery – You must have no medical conditions that prevent surgery, and your bone and blood flow need to be adequate to support the graft. Without this, the graft won’t survive and heal properly.


• ✅ You have severe recessions – For advanced gum recession, gum grafting is often the only viable solution. Bonding won’t be effective in concealing significant recession.


• ✅ You want to strengthen your gums and prevent further damage – Gum grafting reinforces your gums by increasing their thickness, which makes them more resistant to future recession. This long-term benefit is one of the key advantages of grafting over bonding.

What to Expect from Dental Bonding for Receding Gums

The cosmetic results of composite bonding are immediate, so you’ll notice a significant improvement right after your first session.

You can expect the composite to remain aesthetically acceptable for 5 to 10 years, though its lifespan can vary depending on factors such as oral hygiene, diet, and how well you care for your gums.

One thing to keep in mind is that composite can stain if it’s in prolonged contact with pigmented foods like tea, coffee, chocolate, etc. To maintain its appearance, it’s a good idea to limit these foods or rinse/brush your teeth immediately after consuming them.

Additionally, you should continue to care for your gums. If your gums recede further, new areas of your roots may be exposed, causing the composite to become unsightly.

Dental Bonding vs. Gum Grafting: The Verdict

Composite bonding is a great option for a quick, easy cosmetic fix to hide receding areas. However, it requires proper care to prevent wear and staining and to ensure it lasts as long as possible.

On the other hand, gum grafting not only conceals recession but also thickens the gums and helps prevent further damage. However, it involves a surgical procedure and a healing period that might not be suitable for everyone.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your unique situation. Only a qualified dentist can help you make the right decision.