
What Is Dental Bonding?
Composite resin, the same material used for fillings, is applied to shape and restore teeth. Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth can be rebuilt through a process called Bonded Restoration, which returns the tooth to a near-new condition and provides lasting results with proper care. This technique can also enhance the appearance of your smile by reshaping teeth, correcting colour, and closing gaps, offering a solution without the need for veneers or orthodontics.
How Does Dental Bonding Compare to Other Options?
When it comes to improving or restoring your smile, the best treatment depends on your individual needs. During your consultation, we’ll explore the options and help you decide based on your goals. Here are some key benefits of choosing dental bonding:
Low Upfront Cost
Veneers and orthodontics typically come with a higher price tag due to their complexity. In comparison, dental bonding is an affordable option for making small adjustments without the hefty cost.
Great for Small Repairs
For those seeking dramatic changes to their smile, other treatments such as crowns or braces might be more suitable. However, dental bonding is an excellent solution for making subtle, yet effective, repairs.
The Dental Bonding Process
Dental bonding can be used for both restoring damaged teeth or enhancing their appearance. Here’s what you can expect during your appointment:
Preparing the Tooth
To begin, the dentist will protect your neighbouring teeth with a thin dental matrix to shield them from any stray gel or resin. Next, the affected tooth is cleaned and dried, and a mild acidic gel is applied to create a rough surface for the bonding material to adhere to.
Applying the Composite Resin
After the gel is rinsed off and the tooth is dried again, the dentist applies the composite resin, selecting a shade that closely matches your natural teeth. The resin is applied in layers, with each layer being hardened using a special blue light for maximum strength and durability.
Finishing Touches
Once your bite has been checked, the bonding process is complete. A quick polish is applied to the treated tooth, leaving it looking natural and seamless. You may even forget which tooth was worked on! The procedure is noted in your dental records, and during future exams, the dentist will carefully check the bonded tooth for any signs of wear.
Cost of Dental Bonding in Burlington
Due to the variety of reasons dental bonding can be used, providing an exact cost without evaluating your needs and examining your teeth is difficult. However, the typical cost ranges from $300 to $600 per tooth without insurance. Many insurance plans cover dental bonding, particularly when it is used to repair a broken or damaged tooth. With insurance coverage, your out-of-pocket expense will likely range from $60 to $120.
When determining the cost of your dental bonding, we take into account several factors:
- The number of teeth requiring bonding.
- Whether new x-rays are necessary.
- The amount of composite resin needed for the procedure.
- The location of the affected teeth in your mouth.
- Your overall oral health.
Keep in mind, no accurate estimate can be provided over the phone. After a thorough examination, we will give you a detailed quote in person, helping you understand the final costs so you can make an informed decision.
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 on front teeth varies depending on factors such as its location, your eating habits, and oral hygiene routine. Typically, bonding can last anywhere from 4 to 10 years or longer. If wear is noticed during routine exams, your dentist can apply more composite resin to reinforce the bonding.
Dental bonding is not considered a permanent solution, but it can be very durable. With proper care, including good oral hygiene, healthy eating habits, and regular dental exams, bonding can last more than a decade. If signs of wear appear, additional composite resin can be applied to maintain its strength.
Bonding and veneers serve different purposes. Veneers are generally a better long-term option, especially for those seeking more significant changes to their smile. Although dental bonding has a shorter lifespan, it is more affordable for minor changes and requires less alteration to the natural tooth, making it less invasive.
Dental bonding carries little risk to your teeth. The natural tooth remains largely, if not completely, intact under the bonding material. While the bonding may chip or break over time, repairs are simple. Keep in mind that bonding does not change colour with teeth whitening treatments. You may wish to whiten your teeth first or replace the bonding to match your new smile. If you’re looking for a more durable option, dental veneers or crowns are stronger and offer a longer-lasting solution.