What Is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding uses composite resin, the same material used for tooth 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 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. We offer dental bonding at our dental clinic right here in Dundas!
How does dental bonding compare to other options?
There are many different options for restoring your teeth or achieving your dream smile. The best option for you will depend on your needs. During your appointment, we will discuss all of your options and the pros and cons of each so you can make an informed decision. Here are some 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 necessary for dental bonding. Very little, if any, of your natural tooth has to be removed in preparation, meaning the bonding procedure is almost always completely painless.
Low upfront cost
More extensive treatments like dental veneers and orthodontics come with a higher price tag. They require personalized treatment plans of greater complexity, and take much more time. However, for minor changes to a few teeth, dental bonding is a simple and cost effective treatment.
Great for small repairs
It’s worth mentioning again that if you want extensive changes to your smile, you will benefit from a more complex treatment plan, such as dental veneers, crowns, or orthodontics. But for minor changes, dental bonding is the simplest solution available.
The dental bonding process
Whether you’re getting dental bonding to restore a tooth or for aesthetic reasons, the process is the same. Here’s what you can expect at your dental bonding appointment at Dundas Valley Dentistry:
Preparing the tooth
First, your neighbouring teeth are protected with a thin film of plastic called a dental matrix. This matrix is slipped between your teeth to shield the adjacent tooth from any stray preparation gel or composite resin. The dentist will carefully clean and dry your tooth before applying a mildly acidic gel for a few seconds to create a rough surface for the bonding to adhere to.
Applying the composite resin
After cleaning off the acidic gel, the tooth is dried again. Then, composite resin is applied. The dentist will select a resin that matches the colour of your teeth for a natural looking finish. The resin is applied in layers, with a special blue light curing each individual layer for maximum strength and durability.
Finishing touches
Once your bite is checked, your dental bonding is complete. The dentist will give your tooth a quick polish, leaving it looking beautiful and natural. You may even forget which tooth was repaired. We’ll make a note in your chart, and at your future exams, the dentist will give special attention to the bonded tooth to check for any wear.
Cost of dental bonding in Dundas
Dental bonding is used for a wide variety of reasons, making it difficult to give a precise estimate without learning more about your needs and examining your teeth. Typically, in Dundas, the cost of dental bonding is between $300 to $600 per tooth without insurance. Most insurance companies will cover dental bonding, especially when used to restore 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 these important factors:
- How many teeth need to be bonded
- Whether new X-rays are required
- How much composite resin will be needed
- The location of the teeth
- Your overall oral health
Remember, no dentist can give an accurate quote over the phone. After an examination, we would be happy to provide you with an accurate quote so you can 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
Depending on the location of the bonding, your eating habits, and your general oral hygiene routine, dental bonding can last from 4 to 10 years or more. If wear and tear are noticed at your routine exams, more composite resin can be applied to maintain the strength of the bonding.
Bonding is not a permanent solution but it is long lasting. Dental bonding can last for more than a decade with routine care, good eating habits, and regular exams. If your dental bonding shows signs of wear and tear, it can be strengthened with more composite resin.
These are two very different procedures. Dental veneers are better for long term results and are ideal for patients who want more dramatic changes to their smile. Dental bonding has a shorter lifespan but is more cost efficient for minor changes and is less invasive because less of the natural tooth is altered.
Dental bonding does not carry major risks. Your natural tooth remains almost completely intact under the bonding. The bonding may chip or break over time but it can easily be repaired. A common concern is that dental bonding does not whiten with teeth whitening treatments. You may want to whiten your teeth before getting dental bonding or replace the bonding to match your natural teeth after whitening. If you’re concerned about the durability of dental bonding, you might consider dental veneers or crowns, which are stronger and last longer.
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