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 lifespan of dental bonding can vary depending on factors such as the specific location of the bonding, your eating habits, and your overall oral hygiene routine. On average, dental bonding can last between 4 to 10 years or even longer. During your routine dental exams, your dentist will assess the condition of the bonding and if any wear and tear are noticed, additional composite resin can be applied to reinforce and maintain the strength of the dental bonding. Regular check-ups with your dentist play a crucial role in ensuring the longevity and durability of your dental bonding.
While dental bonding is not considered a permanent solution, it is highly durable and can provide long-lasting results. With proper dental care, healthy eating habits, and regular dental exams, dental bonding can last for over a decade. In the event of wear and tear, your dental bonding can be reinforced by applying additional composite resin, ensuring its continued strength and longevity. By practicing good oral hygiene and maintaining regular dental check-ups, you can maximize the lifespan of your dental bonding.
Two very different procedures. Dental veneers are a better long-term option and a better option for patients who want to make more or more dramatic changes to their smile. Dental bonding has a shorter lifespan but is more cost-efficient for minor changes and is much less invasive as less of the natural tooth needs to be altered.
Dental bonding doesn’t have major risks. Your natural tooth will remain almost completely if not entirely intact under the bonding. The bonding itself may chip or break over time but it can easily be repaired. A common concern we sometimes hear from patients is that dental bonding doesn’t lighten with teeth whitening. You may want to have your teeth whitened before getting dental bonding or you may have the bonding replaced to match your natural teeth after a whitening treatment. If you’re concerned about the durability of dental bonding you may want to consider dental veneers or crowns which are stronger and last longer.
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