What Is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding uses composite resin – the same material used for composite 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 will 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.
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 require dental bonding for restorative or cosmetic purposes, the procedure follows a consistent protocol. Here’s what you can anticipate during your dental bonding appointment:
- Preparing the tooth: First, a dental matrix, a thin plastic film, is placed between your teeth to shield neighbouring teeth from preparation gel or composite resin. Your tooth is then meticulously cleaned, dried, and treated with a mildly acidic gel. This gel creates a rough surface, facilitating optimal bonding.
- Applying the composite resin: After cleaning and drying the tooth, the dentist applies composite resin. A resin shade matching your teeth is selected for a natural look. The resin is applied in layers and cured using a special blue light. Each layer is cured individually to enhance strength and durability.
- Finishing touches: Once your bite is checked, the dental bonding procedure is complete. A final polish is applied to your tooth, ensuring a beautiful and natural appearance. You may even forget which tooth was repaired. We make a note in your chart, and during future exams, the bonded tooth receives special attention to detect any signs of wear and tear.
With this comprehensive process, dental bonding not only restores the functionality of your tooth but also provides an aesthetically pleasing result that seamlessly blends with your natural teeth.
Cost Of A Dental Bonding In Thornhill
The cost of dental bonding varies depending on several factors, making it challenging to provide an estimate without a thorough assessment of your needs and teeth. Generally, the cost ranges from $300 to $600 or more per tooth without insurance. Insurance coverage is often available, particularly for bonding needed to restore broken or damaged teeth, which can reduce out-of-pocket expenses to around $60 to $120.
When determining the cost of your dental bonding treatment, we consider the following factors:
- The number of teeth requiring bonding.
- Whether new x-rays are necessary.
- The amount of composite resin required for the treatment.
- The location of the affected teeth in your mouth.
- Your current overall oral health.
Please note that an accurate quote can only be provided after an in-person examination. We would be delighted to offer you a precise quote during your visit, allowing you to make an informed decision about your final costs.
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 longevity of dental bonding can fluctuate, influenced by factors like the precise location of the bonding, your dietary habits, and your overall oral hygiene regimen. Typically, dental bonding can endure for an average of 4 to 10 years, and in some cases, even longer. As part of your routine dental check-ups, your dentist will evaluate the condition of the bonding. If any signs of wear and tear are detected, additional composite resin can be applied to fortify and uphold the strength of the dental bonding. Consistent check-ups with your dentist are essential in safeguarding the extended lifespan and resilience of your dental bonding.
Although dental bonding is not classified as a permanent solution, it boasts remarkable durability and can yield enduring outcomes. When coupled with proper dental hygiene, a balanced diet, and routine dental check-ups, dental bonding can maintain its integrity for well over a decade. In cases of wear and tear, your dental bonding can be strengthened by the application of additional composite resin, ensuring its sustained robustness and longevity. By consistently practicing sound oral care and attending regular dental examinations, you can optimize the lifespan of your dental bonding.
Dental veneers and dental bonding are two distinct procedures, each with its own set of advantages. Dental veneers excel as a long-term solution and are ideal for patients seeking substantial or dramatic smile transformations. In contrast, dental bonding offers a shorter lifespan but is a cost-effective choice for minor alterations, requiring less invasive modification of the natural tooth structure.
Dental bonding is a procedure with minimal associated risks. Your natural tooth remains virtually intact, if not entirely so, beneath the bonding. While the bonding material itself may occasionally chip or break over time, it can be easily repaired. One common concern we encounter from patients is that dental bonding doesn’t respond to teeth whitening treatments. If you desire whiter teeth, you may opt for teeth whitening before undergoing dental bonding, or you can replace the bonding after a whitening treatment to match your natural teeth’s new shade. If durability is a paramount concern, you might consider alternatives like dental veneers or crowns, which offer greater strength and longevity compared to dental bonding.
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