What Is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding uses composite resin—also found in composite fillings—to reshape and repair teeth. This technique, known as Bonded Restoration, can fix chips, cracks, or broken teeth, restoring them to like-new condition with long-lasting results when cared for properly. It’s also a great option for enhancing your smile’s appearance by reshaping teeth, adjusting colour, and closing gaps, all without the need for veneers or braces.
How does dental bonding compare to other options?
There are many different options available for restoring your teeth or achieving your dream smile. The options that are best for you will depend on your specific needs. During your appointment, we would be happy to discuss all of your options and the pros and cons of each so that you can make an informed final decision. That being said, here are some of the 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 the case for dental bonding. Very little, if any, of your natural tooth has to be removed in preparation which means the bonding procedure is almost always completely painless.
Low upfront cost
More extensive treatments such as dental veneers and orthodontics come with a heftier price tag. And for good reason – more extensive and dramatic changes call for a personalized treatment plan of greater complexity. However, for minor changes to a few teeth, dental bonding is a simple and cost-effective treatment.
Great for small repairs
It bears repeating: if you are envisioning extensive changes to your smile you will benefit from a more complex treatment plan that may include dental veneers, crowns, or orthodontics. But for minor changes, dental bonding is the simplest solution available.
The Dental Bonding Process
Whether you need dental bonding to repair a damaged tooth or for cosmetic improvements, the process remains consistent. Here’s what you can expect during your appointment:
Preparing the Tooth
The dentist begins by protecting your neighbouring teeth with a thin plastic shield called a dental matrix. This prevents any gel or resin from contacting adjacent teeth. After this, the tooth is cleaned and dried, and a mildly acidic gel is applied for a few seconds. This gel slightly roughens the surface, helping the bonding material adhere securely.
Applying the composite resin
Once the gel is removed and the tooth is dried again, the dentist selects a composite resin that closely matches the colour of your natural teeth. This resin is applied in thin layers, with each layer cured using a special blue light to ensure maximum strength and durability.
Finishing touches
After the bonding is shaped and your bite is checked for comfort, the dentist gives the repaired tooth a final polish, ensuring a smooth, natural appearance. The result is a restored tooth that blends seamlessly with your smile. During future exams, the dentist will monitor the bonded tooth for any wear to ensure it remains in top condition.
This process not only provides a cosmetic boost but also strengthens the treated tooth, helping maintain its function and appearance for years with routine care.
Cost of Dental Bonding in Belleville
The cost of dental bonding can vary widely based on your specific needs and the condition of your teeth. Generally, you can expect to pay around $300 to $600 or more per tooth if you don’t have insurance. However, many insurance plans will cover dental bonding, particularly if it’s needed to repair a damaged or broken tooth. With insurance, your out-of-pocket expenses may range from $60 to $120 per tooth.
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Factors That Influence the Cost:
- The number of teeth requiring bonding.
- The need for any new x-rays.
- The amount of composite resin needed.
- The location of the teeth being treated.
- Your current oral health condition.
When determining the cost of dental bonding, a few key factors are considered:
Keep in mind that an accurate estimate requires an in-person examination. This allows the dentist to provide a precise quote tailored to your needs, helping you 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
Dental bonding on front teeth can last between 4 to 10 years or even longer, depending on the location, your eating habits, and your oral hygiene routine. During routine dental exams, your dentist can monitor the bonding for wear and apply more composite resin if needed to maintain its strength.
No, dental bonding is not permanent, but it is very durable. With good oral care, healthy eating habits, and regular dental check-ups, bonding can last over a decade. If signs of wear appear, the bonding can be reinforced with additional resin.
Bonding and veneers serve different purposes. Veneers are a long-term solution and ideal for those wanting significant changes to their smile. Dental bonding is less invasive, preserving more of the natural tooth, and is a more cost-effective choice for minor adjustments, though it has a shorter lifespan compared to veneers.
Dental bonding does not damage your natural teeth. The underlying tooth structure remains almost entirely intact. While the bonding material can chip or break over time, it’s easily repairable. One thing to note is that bonding does not lighten with teeth whitening. It’s best to whiten your teeth before getting bonding or have the bonding replaced to match your teeth after a whitening treatment. For greater durability, consider veneers or crowns, which offer enhanced strength and longevity.
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