What Is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding uses composite resin – the same material used for composite fillings – to shape a tooth. Teeth that are chipped, cracked or broken can be ‘built up’ with composite resin in a process called Bonded Restoration. This repair will restore the tooth to like-new condition and will last a long time with routine care. Dental bonding is also used to enhance the aesthetic appeal of a smile by reshaping teeth, correcting colour and closing gaps without the need for veneers or orthodontics.
What Are The Benefits of Dental Bonding?
There exist numerous alternatives for rejuvenating your teeth or attaining your desired smile. The most suitable options for you will vary based on your individual requirements. At your appointment, we will gladly explore all available choices, discussing the advantages and disadvantages of each, enabling you to make a well-informed decision.
The Process of Dental Bonding
Regardless of whether you seek dental bonding for restorative purposes or purely cosmetic reasons, the procedure remains consistent. Here’s what you can anticipate during your dental bonding appointment:
Prepping the Tooth
To begin, a dental matrix, a thin protective film made of plastic, will be placed between your teeth to safeguard the adjacent ones from any preparation gel or composite resin. This matrix acts as a barrier. Then, your dentist will meticulously clean and dry your tooth before applying a mildly acidic gel for a brief period. This gel creates a rough surface on the tooth, facilitating the bonding process.
Applying the Composite Resin
After cleaning and drying the tooth, the dentist applies the composite resin. They choose a resin colour that matches your teeth for a natural appearance. The resin is applied in layers and each layer is cured with a blue light for strength. This process ensures a strong and visually appealing result.
Curing the Composite
Once your bite has been checked and adjusted if necessary, the dental bonding procedure is finished. As a final step, the dentist will polish your tooth, giving it a smooth and attractive appearance. Your bonded tooth will blend in seamlessly with your natural teeth, to the point where you may even forget which tooth was repaired. A record of the bonding treatment will be made in your dental chart, and during future exams, the dentist will pay special attention to the bonded tooth to assess for any signs of wear or damage.
The Cost of Dental Bonding in T-DOT
Providing a precise cost estimate for dental bonding is challenging without further information about your specific needs and a thorough examination of your teeth. However, as a general guideline, the cost typically ranges from $300 to $600 or more per tooth without insurance coverage. Most insurance plans cover dental bonding, especially for restorative purposes such as repairing a broken or damaged tooth. With insurance, you can expect to pay around $60 to $120 out of pocket.
Several factors are considered when determining the cost of your dental bonding treatment, including:
The number of teeth requiring bonding.
Whether new x-rays are necessary.
The amount of composite resin required for the treatment.
The location of the teeth within your mouth.
Your overall oral health.
It’s important to note that an accurate quote cannot be provided over the phone. We recommend scheduling an examination to receive an in-person evaluation and an accurate cost estimate. This will enable you to make an informed decision based on your final expenses.
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 longevity of dental bonding can vary depending on factors such as the specific bonding location, your eating habits, and your overall oral hygiene routine. Generally, dental bonding can last anywhere from 4 to 10 years or even longer. In case your routine dental check-ups reveal signs of wear and tear, your dentist can apply additional layers of composite resin to reinforce the strength of the bonding.
While bonding is not considered a permanent solution, it is highly durable and long-lasting. With proper dental care, healthy eating habits, and regular check-ups, dental bonding can endure for more than a decade. In the event that wear and tear become apparent, your dentist can reinforce the bonding by applying additional composite resin.
Dental veneers and dental bonding are distinct procedures, each with its own advantages. Dental veneers are preferable for long-term results and for patients seeking significant or dramatic smile transformations. On the other hand, dental bonding is a more cost-effective option for minor changes and requires less alteration of the natural tooth, making it a less invasive procedure. Although dental bonding has a shorter lifespan compared to veneers, it offers a practical solution for those looking for less extensive modifications.
Dental bonding carries minimal risks and generally preserves the integrity of your natural tooth. The underlying tooth structure remains mostly intact, if not entirely, beneath the bonding material. While the bonding itself may experience chipping or breakage over time, it can be easily repaired. Patients sometimes express concern that dental bonding does not respond to teeth whitening treatments. To address this, it is advisable to undergo teeth whitening before opting for dental bonding, or alternatively, replace the bonding material to match the new shade of your natural teeth after a whitening treatment.
If you have concerns about the durability of dental bonding, it may be worthwhile to explore alternatives such as dental veneers or crowns. These options offer increased strength and longevity when compared to bonding.
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