
What Is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding can transform the look of your smile by reshaping teeth, correcting discoloration, and closing gaps without the use of veneers or braces. The process, known as Bonded Restoration, uses composite resin to rebuild and repair teeth that are chipped, cracked, or broken, restoring them to their original condition. This same composite resin, commonly used for fillings, is applied to the teeth and sculpted into the desired shape. With proper care, these repairs are long-lasting and can keep your teeth looking great for years.
How Does Dental Bonding Compare to Other Options?
With numerous methods available to restore your teeth or achieve your perfect smile, the right option for you depends on your individual needs. During your consultation, we will explore all the choices and their respective pros and cons, helping you make a well-informed decision. Here are some benefits of dental bonding:
Quick and Painless
Unlike fillings or dental veneers, which often require some drilling to prepare the tooth, dental bonding usually involves minimal to no drilling. This means that very little, if any, of your natural tooth needs to be removed. As a result, the dental bonding procedure is almost always entirely painless.
Low Upfront Cost
For minor adjustments to a few teeth, dental bonding is an affordable and straightforward option. While more comprehensive treatments like veneers and orthodontics require a more complex and personalized approach, resulting in higher costs, dental bonding offers a cost-effective solution for smaller changes. This makes it an ideal choice for those looking for minor enhancements without the significant expense of more elaborate procedures.
Great for Small Repairs
If you’re looking for extensive changes to your smile, a more complex treatment plan involving veneers, crowns, or orthodontics may be necessary. However, for minor adjustments, dental bonding is the simplest and most effective solution available. It’s ideal for small repairs and enhancements.
The Dental Bonding Process
Regardless of whether dental bonding is used for restorative purposes or to enhance aesthetics, the steps involved are identical. Here’s what you can anticipate during your dental bonding session:
Preparing the Tooth
To begin, a dental matrix, a thin plastic film, is positioned between your teeth to shield the adjacent teeth from the preparation materials. The dentist then meticulously cleans and dries the tooth, applying a mildly acidic gel briefly to create a textured surface for the bonding material to stick to securely.
Applying the Composite Resin
The dentist applies the composite resin in layers, each hardened with a special blue light to ensure durability and strength. Before this, the tooth is dried after the acidic gel is cleaned off. A resin matching your tooth colour is chosen for a natural look.
Finishing Touches
Your dental bonding is now complete after checking your bite. As a final step, the dentist will polish your tooth. Your bonded tooth will look natural and beautiful—you may even forget which tooth was repaired! We’ll make a note in your chart, and during future exams, the dentist will give special attention to the bonded tooth to check for any wear and tear.
Cost of Dental Bonding in Port Dover
Estimating the cost of dental bonding can vary widely based on individual needs and the condition of your teeth. Typically, the cost ranges from $300 to $600 or more per tooth without insurance coverage. Many insurance plans cover dental bonding, particularly for restorative purposes such as repairing broken or damaged teeth. With insurance, your out-of-pocket expenses are generally around $60 to $120 per tooth.
- The number of teeth requiring bonding.
- Whether new x-rays are necessary.
- The amount of composite resin needed for the procedure.
- The location of the affected teeth in your mouth.
- Your current oral health status overall.
When calculating the cost of your dental bonding treatment, we consider several crucial factors:
Please be aware, no dentist can accurately estimate costs over the phone. Following an examination, we’re delighted to provide you with a precise quote in person. This ensures you have all the information needed to make an informed decision about your dental care.
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 durability of dental bonding on front teeth can vary based on factors such as the bonding’s location, your eating habits, and your overall oral hygiene routine. Typically, dental bonding can last between 4 to 10 years or even longer. During routine dental exams, your dentist can assess the condition of the bonding and apply additional composite resin if wear and tear are observed, ensuring its continued strength and longevity.
While not a permanent solution, dental bonding is exceptionally durable. It can endure for over a decade with consistent dental care, good dietary practices, and regular check-ups. If wear and tear becomes evident, your dentist can reinforce the bonding by applying additional composite resin to uphold its strength and longevity.
Both bonding and veneers serve distinct purposes. Dental veneers are a superior choice for long-term durability and patients seeking more extensive smile transformations. Conversely, bonding is a cost-effective solution for minor changes, requiring minimal alteration of the natural tooth, and although it has a shorter lifespan compared to veneers, it is significantly less invasive.
Your natural teeth remain almost entirely intact under dental bonding, minimizing any potential risks. Although the bonding material itself may chip or break over time, it is easily repairable. A common concern among patients is that bonded teeth do not lighten with teeth whitening treatments. If you plan to whiten your teeth, it is recommended to do so before bonding or replace the bonding afterward to match the natural colour of your teeth. For those worried about durability, stronger and longer-lasting options such as dental veneers or crowns may be more suitable.
The dental bonding procedure is typically painless. Minimal preparation of the tooth surface is required, and anesthesia is usually unnecessary unless bonding is used to fill a cavity. Patients may experience slight sensitivity or discomfort during and after the procedure, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers if needed.
Yes, dental bonding can effectively close small gaps or spaces between teeth. The composite resin used in bonding can be applied to reshape and fill in gaps, providing a more uniform and aesthetically pleasing smile. However, for larger gaps or more complex cases, your dentist may recommend alternative treatments such as orthodontics or veneers.