What Is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding is a procedure that involves using composite resin, which is the same material used for composite fillings, to reshape a tooth. It is particularly useful for repairing teeth that are chipped, cracked, or broken. Through a process known as Bonded Restoration, the composite resin is applied to build up the damaged tooth, restoring it to its original condition. With routine care, this repair can last for a significant period of time.
In addition to its restorative benefits, dental bonding is also employed for aesthetic purposes. It can enhance the overall appearance of a smile by reshaping teeth, correcting their colour, and closing gaps between them. This can be achieved without the need for veneers or orthodontics, making dental bonding a versatile and conservative option for smile enhancement.
How does dental bonding compare to other options?
There are many different options available for restoring your teeth or achieving your dream smile. The options that are best for you will depend on your specific needs. During your appointment, we would be happy to discuss all of your options and the pros and cons of each so that you can make an informed final decision. That being said, here are some of the benefits of dental bonding:
Quick and painless
With fillings or dental veneers, some drilling is usually required to prepare the tooth for treatment. This is rarely the case for dental bonding. Very little, if any, of your natural tooth has to be removed in preparation which means the bonding procedure is almost always completely painless.
Low upfront cost
More extensive treatments such as dental veneers and orthodontics come with a heftier price tag. And for good reason – more extensive and dramatic changes call for a personalized treatment plan of greater complexity. However, for minor changes to a few teeth, dental bonding is a simple and cost-effective treatment.
Great for small repairs
It bears repeating: if you are envisioning extensive changes to your smile you will benefit from a more complex treatment plan that may include dental veneers, crowns, or orthodontics. But for minor changes, dental bonding is the simplest solution available.
The Bonding Process
Regardless of whether you’re seeking dental bonding for restorative or purely aesthetic purposes, the process remains consistent. During your dental bonding appointment, here’s what you can expect:
Getting the Tooth Ready
In preparation for dental bonding, the neighboring teeth are protected using a dental matrix, a thin plastic film. This safeguards them from any contact with the bonding materials. The targeted tooth is then cleaned, dried, and a mildly acidic gel is applied briefly to create a rough surface for better bonding.
Adding the Composite Resin
The tooth is dried, and composite resin is applied. The resin is chosen to match your teeth for a natural appearance. It is applied in layers and each layer is cured with a special blue light for strength and durability.
Finishing Steps
With the bite carefully checked, the dental bonding procedure is now finished. As a final step, the dentist will provide a quick polish to the bonded tooth, ensuring a smooth and natural appearance. The result will be a beautiful tooth that blends seamlessly with your natural teeth. A record of the dental bonding will be made in your chart, and during future exams, the dentist will pay special attention to the bonded tooth, checking for any signs of wear and tear. This ensures the longevity and ongoing care of your bonded tooth.
How much should I expect to pay for a bonding?
The cost of dental bonding varies widely depending on individual needs, making it challenging to provide an estimate without further information and an examination. However, as a general guideline:
- The cost typically ranges from $300 to $600 or more per tooth without insurance.
- Most insurance companies cover dental bonding, especially for restorative purposes.
- With insurance, out-of-pocket expenses usually amount to around $60 to $120.
Several factors influence the final cost, including the number of teeth requiring bonding, the need for new X-rays, the amount of composite resin needed, the location of the teeth, and your overall oral health.
It’s important to note that an accurate quote cannot be given over the phone. We recommend an in-person examination to provide you with an accurate quote, enabling you to make an informed decision based on your specific needs and final costs.
Contact us today
to schedule an initial consultation & exam.
Your consultation will include an examination of everything from your teeth, gums and soft tissues to the shape and condition of your bite. Generally, we want to see how your whole mouth looks and functions. Before we plan your treatment we want to know everything about the health and aesthetic of your smile, and, most importantly, what you want to achieve so we can help you get there.
Frequently Asked Questions
The lifespan of dental bonding can vary based on factors such as the specific bonding location, your eating habits, and your oral hygiene routine. Generally, dental bonding can last between 4 to 10 years or even longer. In case of wear and tear identified during routine exams, your dentist can apply additional composite resin to reinforce the strength of the bonding, ensuring its longevity.
While dental bonding is not considered a permanent solution, it is highly durable and long-lasting. With proper routine dental care, healthy eating habits, and regular dental exams, dental bonding can endure for more than a decade. In the event that wear and tear become evident, additional composite resin can be applied to reinforce and strengthen the bonding.
Dental bonding is a safe procedure with minimal risks. It preserves the integrity of your natural tooth, which remains almost entirely intact beneath the bonding material. While the bonding itself may experience chipping or breakage over time, it can be easily repaired. It’s important to note that dental bonding does not lighten with teeth whitening treatments. If you plan to undergo teeth whitening, it’s advisable to do so before getting dental bonding. Alternatively, the bonding can be replaced to match the new shade of your natural teeth after a whitening treatment.
If durability is a concern, dental veneers or crowns may be worth considering. These options offer greater strength and longevity compared to dental bonding.
Dental veneers and dental bonding are distinct procedures with different advantages. Dental veneers are a superior long-term option, particularly for patients seeking significant or dramatic smile transformations. On the other hand, dental bonding is a more cost-efficient choice for minor changes and requires less alteration of the natural tooth, making it a less invasive procedure. While dental bonding has a shorter lifespan compared to veneers, it offers a practical solution for those seeking less extensive modifications.
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