What Is Dental Bonding?
Composite resin, the same material used in composite fillings, is applied to shape and repair teeth. Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth can be rebuilt using a method called Bonded Restoration, which restores the tooth to its original appearance and durability with proper care. Dental bonding is also an excellent option for improving your smile by reshaping teeth, adjusting colour, and closing gaps without the need for veneers or orthodontic treatments.
How Does Dental Bonding Compare to Other Options?
Many options exist to repair teeth or enhance your smile, and the best choice depends on your needs. We’ll discuss your options, including their advantages and disadvantages, during your appointment to help you make an informed decision. Here are some benefits of dental bonding:
Low Upfront Cost
While treatments like veneers or braces can be expensive due to their complexity, dental bonding is a more affordable choice for minor corrections.
Great for Small Repairs
For significant smile transformations, veneers, crowns, or braces might be better suited. For smaller adjustments, dental bonding is the easiest and most efficient solution.
The Dental Bonding Process
The steps for dental bonding are the same whether the goal is to repair a tooth or enhance its appearance. Here’s what to expect during your appointment:
Preparing the Tooth
A thin plastic film, called a dental matrix, is placed between your teeth to protect neighbouring teeth from the preparation gel or composite resin. The tooth is then cleaned, dried, and treated with a mildly acidic gel for a few seconds to create a surface that allows the bonding material to adhere properly.
Applying the Composite Resin
Once the gel is removed and the tooth is dried again, composite resin is applied. The dentist selects a resin shade that matches your natural teeth for a seamless appearance. The resin is applied in layers, and each layer is hardened using a special blue light to ensure strength and durability.
Finishing Touches
After ensuring your bite feels comfortable, the procedure is complete. The dentist will polish the bonded tooth for a smooth, natural look. The repair will blend so well that you might forget which tooth was treated. Notes will be made in your chart, and the bonded tooth will be closely monitored during future checkups for any signs of wear or damage.
Cost of a Dental Bonding in Etobicoke
Due to the wide range of reasons for dental bonding, it’s challenging to provide an exact cost without understanding your specific needs and assessing your teeth. Typically, the cost ranges from $300 to $600 or more per tooth without insurance. If the procedure is required to repair a damaged or broken tooth, most insurance plans will cover it. With insurance, your out-of-pocket expenses are usually between $60 and $120.
Factors that affect the cost of dental bonding include:
- The number of teeth that need bonding.
- Whether additional x-rays are required.
- The amount of composite resin necessary for the procedure.
- The location of the teeth being treated.
- The overall condition of your oral health.
It’s important to note that an accurate estimate cannot be provided over the phone. After an in-person consultation and evaluation, we will be happy to give you a precise quote to help you understand your total costs and make an informed choice.
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 depends on its location, your eating habits, and your oral hygiene routine. Typically, it lasts between 4 and 10 years or more. During regular exams, your dentist can apply additional composite resin if signs of wear are detected to maintain its strength.
While not permanent, dental bonding is a highly durable solution. With proper care, such as regular dental visits and good oral hygiene, it can last over a decade. If wear or damage occurs, the bonding can be reinforced with more composite resin.
These two procedures serve different purposes. Veneers are a longer-lasting solution for those seeking significant or dramatic changes to their smile. Bonding, while less durable, is a more affordable and minimally invasive option for minor improvements, as it preserves most of the natural tooth.
Bonding does not pose significant risks to your natural teeth, which remain largely intact beneath the material. Although the bonding may chip or break over time, it can be easily repaired. One common concern is that dental bonding does not lighten with teeth whitening. You might consider whitening your teeth before bonding or replacing the bonding later to match a lighter shade. If durability is a priority, veneers or crowns may be a better choice as they are stronger and last longer.
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