
What Is Dental Bonding?
Composite resin, the same material used in composite fillings, is applied to reshape and restore teeth. This procedure is ideal for rebuilding chipped, cracked, or broken teeth, returning them to a like-new condition with proper care. Additionally, it can enhance the appearance of your smile by reshaping teeth, improving colour, and closing gaps, without the need for veneers or orthodontics.
How Does Dental Bonding Compare to Other Options?
There are several options to restore your teeth or achieve your ideal smile, and the best choice depends on your individual needs. We will be happy to review all available options with you during your appointment, along with the advantages and disadvantages of each, so you can make an informed decision. Here are some of the benefits of dental bonding:
Quick and Painless
Unlike fillings or dental veneers, which often require some drilling, dental bonding typically involves little to no removal of your natural tooth, making the procedure virtually pain-free.
Low Upfront Cost
Treatments like dental veneers or orthodontics are more expensive due to the complexity and customization involved. However, dental bonding is a more affordable option for making minor adjustments to a few teeth.
Great for Small Repairs
While more dramatic changes to your smile may require treatments like veneers, crowns, or orthodontics, dental bonding is ideal for addressing minor imperfections and is the simplest solution for small repairs.
The Dental Bonding Process
If you’re getting dental bonding for restoration or cosmetic reasons, the procedure follows the same steps. Here’s what you can expect during your dental bonding appointment:
Preparing the Tooth
A thin plastic dental matrix is placed between your teeth to protect the adjacent ones from any stray preparation gel or resin. The dentist will then clean and dry your tooth before applying a mild acidic gel for a few seconds, creating a rough surface for better bonding.
Applying the Composite Resin
After removing the acidic gel and drying the tooth, the dentist applies composite resin that matches the colour of your tooth. The resin is applied in layers, with each layer being hardened using a special blue light to ensure strength and durability.
Finishing Touches
Once your bite is checked, the procedure is complete. The dentist will finish by polishing your tooth to ensure a natural, smooth appearance. At future check-ups, the dentist will monitor the bonded tooth for any signs of wear.
Cost of Dental Bonding in Nobleton
Since dental bonding can be used for a variety of reasons, it’s difficult to provide a precise estimate without evaluating your specific needs and examining your teeth. Typically, the cost ranges from $300 to $600 or more per tooth without insurance. Most insurance plans will cover dental bonding, especially if it’s used to repair a broken or damaged tooth. With insurance, you can expect to pay approximately $60 to $120 out of pocket.
When determining the cost of your dental bonding treatment, we consider several key factors:
- The number of teeth that need bonding.
- Whether new x-rays are necessary.
- The amount of composite resin required for the procedure.
- The location of the affected teeth.
- Your overall oral health.
Keep in mind that no dentist can provide an accurate quote over the phone. After an in-person examination, we can give you an exact estimate, helping you make an informed decision about your treatment.
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 on front teeth can vary between 4 to 10 years or longer, depending on factors such as the location of the bonding, your eating habits, and your overall oral hygiene. If wear and tear are detected during routine exams, your dentist can apply more composite resin to maintain the bonding’s strength.
While dental bonding is not a permanent solution, it is a durable and long-lasting option. With proper care, good eating habits, and regular dental check-ups, it can last more than a decade. If any signs of wear appear, additional composite resin can be added to reinforce the bonding.
Bonding and veneers are two distinct treatments. Veneers are a better choice for patients seeking long-term results or more dramatic changes to their smile. While dental bonding has a shorter lifespan, it is more affordable for making minor adjustments and requires less alteration of the natural tooth, making it a less invasive option.
Dental bonding carries minimal risk to your natural teeth. The bonding material sits over the tooth without causing significant damage, leaving the natural tooth largely intact. Over time, the bonding may chip or break, but it can easily be repaired. One common concern is that dental bonding doesn’t whiten with your teeth. To avoid this, you might want to whiten your teeth before the bonding procedure or replace the bonding to match your newly whitened smile. For those seeking greater longevity and durability, dental veneers or crowns, which are stronger and more long-lasting, might be a better option.