Dental bonding is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure that can help to alter your smile's appearance. Here, our dentists provide some facts about how dental bonding may be used to repair discoloured and gapped teeth as well as restore the function of your smile.
What is dental bonding?
Dental bonding is a non-invasive cosmetic dental treatment for damaged or discoloured teeth. During dental bonding, your dentist applies a tooth-coloured dental resin to your teeth and then shapes it to match the surroudnig teeth in order to create a natural-looking smile.
The process is called 'dental bonding' because the composite resin literally bonds to the tooth.
Why would I need dental bonding?
Dental bonding is generall used for cosmetci purposes in order to imrpove the appeaance of discoloured or chipped teeth. This process can also make teeth appear longer or whiter and can close gaps between teeth.
Bonding is also sometimes used as an alternative to silver (amalgam) fillings, or to cover exposed tooth roots due to receding gums.
What happens during a dental bonding procedure?
When dentists perform dental bonding treatments, they apply composite resin in layers to your teeth. They then use a special light to herden each layer in turn.
After hardening the last layer, dentists will shape and polish the resin to fit your teeth, ideally resulting in a smooth and natural-looking appearance that compliments the rest of your smile.
How long does dental bonding take?
Generally speaking, dental bonding takes about half an hour to one hour per tooth. Unlike veneers or restorations that are custom-made in a dental lab, the bonding process will often be able to be finished in one visit to a dental office.
How much does dental bonding cost?
Patients who are interested in dental bonding may be concerned about cost. Fortunately, when compared to other cosmetic restorations, dental bonding is a relatively long-lasting and cost-effective treatment option. The specific cost of your treatment will depend on a few different factors:
- Scope of work: where in the mouth your procedure is taking place and the size of the area to be bonded
- Insurance coverage: how much of the procedure will your insurance cover? (May depend on whether your issue is primarily cosmetic or structural)
- Your local area: costs may vary depending on which city your dentist is in, and which dental practice completes the procedure
How long does dental bonding last?
The composite resin your dentist will use during the bonding process will likely have a lifespan of between 4 and 8 years, and potentially up to 10 years.
The length of time that your dental bonding lasts may vary depending on your unique case (including where in the mouth your dental bond is applied) and how well you are able to maintain it (including your oral hygiene routine and schedule of regular dental appointment).
To ensure your smile lasts as long as possible, we advise avoiding sugary or acidic foods, as these can wear on your teeth. Though fruit is good for your health, don't forget to brush and floss your teeth soon after eating them so bacteria or plaque do not have the chance to grow. Also refrain from chewing hard candy or ice, biting down too hard or grinding your teeth, since all of these can chip the bonding material.
A dentist will be able to touch up the composite resin of your bond and re-bond it over time as well if needed.