What Is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding involves using composite resin—the same material utilized for composite fillings—to reshape and repair teeth. This technique is ideal for restoring chipped, cracked, or broken teeth through a process called Bonded Restoration. The procedure returns the tooth to its original condition and remains durable with regular care. Additionally, dental bonding enhances the aesthetic appeal of your smile by reshaping teeth, correcting discoloration, and closing gaps without the need for veneers or orthodontic treatments.
How Does Dental Bonding Compare to Other Options?
There are various options available for restoring your teeth or achieving your ideal smile. The best choice for you depends on your specific needs. During your appointment, we will discuss all your options along with their pros and cons, helping you make an informed decision. Here are some of the benefits of dental bonding:
Quick and Painless
Unlike fillings or dental veneers, which often require drilling to prepare the tooth, dental bonding typically involves removing very little, if any, of your natural tooth structure. This makes the bonding procedure almost entirely painless.
Low Upfront Cost
More extensive treatments like dental veneers and orthodontics come with higher price tags due to their complexity and the personalized treatment plans they require. However, for minor changes to a few teeth, dental bonding is a simple and cost-effective option.
Great for Small Repairs
If you’re considering extensive changes to your smile, a more complex treatment plan including dental veneers, crowns, or orthodontics might be more beneficial. However, for minor adjustments, dental bonding is the simplest and most effective solution available.
The Dental Bonding Process
Whether you’re undergoing dental bonding to restore a tooth or for purely cosmetic purposes, the procedure remains consistent. Here’s what you can expect during your dental bonding appointment:
Preparing the Tooth
Initially, your adjacent teeth are safeguarded using a thin plastic film known as a dental matrix. This protective barrier is placed between your teeth to prevent any preparation gel or composite resin from reaching them. The dentist then meticulously cleans and dries the target tooth before applying a mildly acidic gel for a few seconds. This step roughens the tooth surface, ensuring optimal adhesion for the bonding material.
Applying the Composite Resin
After removing the acidic gel and drying the tooth again, the composite resin is applied. The dentist selects a resin shade that closely matches your natural teeth to achieve a seamless appearance. The resin is layered onto the tooth and each layer is hardened using a special blue light, enhancing the bond’s strength and durability.
Finishing Touches
Once the resin is fully cured, the dentist checks your bite to ensure everything feels comfortable. The final step involves polishing the bonded tooth, giving it a smooth and natural finish. The result is a beautifully restored tooth that blends effortlessly with your smile. We document the procedure in your chart, and during future check-ups, the bonded tooth will receive extra attention to monitor for any signs of wear or tear.
Cost of Dental Bonding in Brantford
Dental bonding is used for a wide variety of purposes, making it difficult to provide a general estimate without understanding your specific needs and examining your teeth. Typically, the cost ranges from $300 to $600 or more per tooth without insurance. Most insurance plans cover dental bonding, especially when it’s needed to repair a broken or damaged tooth. With insurance, you can expect to pay approximately $60 to $120 out of pocket.
- Number of Teeth to be Bonded
- Need for New X-rays
- Amount of Composite Resin Required
- Location of the Teeth in Your Mouth
- Your Overall Oral Health
When determining the cost of your dental bonding treatment, we consider the following key factors:
Remember, no dentist can provide an accurate quote over the phone. After a comprehensive examination, we would be happy to give you an accurate estimate in person, allowing you to understand your final costs and make an informed decision.
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
Dental bonding on front teeth typically lasts between 4 to 10 years or longer. The longevity depends on factors such as the bonding’s location, your eating habits, and your daily oral hygiene practices. During routine dental exams, if your dentist detects any wear or damage, additional composite resin can be applied to maintain the strength and appearance of your dental bonding.
Dental bonding is not a permanent solution, but it is highly durable. With proper dental care, healthy eating habits, and regular check-ups, dental bonding can last over a decade. If signs of wear or tear appear, additional composite resin can be applied to reinforce the bonding and extend its lifespan.
Dental bonding and veneers are two distinct procedures with different benefits. Dental veneers are a better long-term solution, ideal for patients seeking more significant or dramatic changes to their smile. Dental bonding, on the other hand, is more cost-effective for minor adjustments and is less invasive since it requires minimal alteration of the natural tooth structure. While bonding has a shorter lifespan compared to veneers, it offers a simpler and more affordable option for minor cosmetic enhancements.
Dental bonding poses minimal risks. Your natural tooth structure remains largely intact beneath the bonding material. While the bonding itself may chip or break over time, it can be easily repaired. A common concern is that dental bonding does not lighten with teeth whitening. To address this, consider whitening your teeth before bonding or having the bonding replaced to match your teeth after whitening. If you’re worried about the durability of dental bonding, dental veneers or crowns may be a better option as they are stronger and have a longer lifespan.
Google Verified Patient Reviews
