What Is Dental Bonding?
Think of dental bonding as a quick and versatile fix for your smile. It uses composite resin—the same material found in composite fillings—to reshape and repair teeth. If you’ve got a chipped, cracked, or broken tooth, this resin can be skillfully applied to restore both its look and structure in a process called bonded restoration. And with regular dental care, the results are durable and long-lasting. But it’s not just about fixing damage; dental bonding can also enhance your smile by reshaping teeth, correcting discolouration, and closing gaps, all without the need for more involved treatments like veneers or braces.
How Does Dental Bonding Compare to Other Options?
Dental bonding is a quick and affordable way to restore teeth or enhance your smile. It’s one of several options out there, but finding the right fit depends on your specific needs—something we’ll happily go over during your appointment. Here’s why dental bonding might be the best choice for you:
Quick and Painless
Unlike fillings or veneers, dental bonding often doesn’t require much drilling or tooth prep. This means most patients have a painless experience, with very little of the natural tooth needing to be altered.
Low Upfront Cost
If you’re only looking to make minor tweaks, dental bonding is cost-effective compared to more involved treatments like veneers or orthodontics, which come with higher price tags due to their complexity.
Great for Small Repairs
Dental bonding is ideal for making small changes like fixing chips, cracks, or gaps. If you’re looking for more significant changes, treatments like veneers, crowns, or orthodontics might be better suited for a comprehensive transformation. But for those quick, subtle improvements, bonding gets the job done without the need for major dental work.
The Dental Bonding Process
Whether you’re fixing a damaged tooth or enhancing its appearance, the dental bonding process is straightforward and the same for everyone. Here’s a quick rundown of what happens during your appointment:
Preparing the Tooth
To start, a thin film of plastic called a dental matrix is placed between your teeth. This shield protects neighbouring teeth from any stray gel or resin. Your dentist will then clean and dry the tooth before applying a mildly acidic gel. This gel roughens up the surface slightly, helping the bonding stick more securely.
Applying the Composite Resin
Once the gel is rinsed off and the tooth is dried again, it’s time for the resin. Your dentist will choose a shade that blends seamlessly with your natural teeth for a flawless look. The composite resin is applied in thin layers, each cured with a special blue light to ensure strength and durability.
Finishing Touches
With the resin in place, your dentist will check your bite to make sure everything feels right. Then, they’ll polish the bonded tooth so it looks smooth and natural. You’ll walk out with a beautifully restored tooth, and chances are, you might forget which one was treated! At future dental exams, the dentist will check up on the bonded tooth to make sure it’s holding up well.
Cost of Dental Bonding in Oakville
The price of dental bonding can vary widely based on your needs, making it tricky to give an accurate estimate without an exam. Generally, the cost ranges from about $300 to $600 or more per tooth if you don’t have insurance. Fortunately, most insurance plans cover dental bonding, especially if it’s needed to restore a broken or damaged tooth, which can reduce your out-of-pocket cost to around $60 to $120.
When determining the cost of your dental bonding, we consider several factors:
- The number of teeth needing bonding
- Whether any new X-rays are required
- The amount of composite resin needed for the treatment
- The location of the teeth within your mouth
- Your overall oral health
Remember, it’s not possible to provide an accurate quote over the phone. An in-person examination allows us to assess your needs properly and provide a precise quote, so you know the exact cost before making your 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 longevity of dental bonding on front teeth typically ranges from 4 to 10 years or more. This depends on factors like the exact bonding location, your eating habits, and your oral hygiene routine. If wear and tear are noted during routine exams, your dentist can apply more resin to keep your bonding strong and intact.
While not a permanent solution, dental bonding is designed to be long-lasting. With good oral hygiene, proper eating habits, and regular dental check-ups, it can last over a decade. If your bonding shows signs of wear, additional resin can be added to reinforce it.
It depends on your needs. Dental veneers are a more durable option and are ideal for patients wanting significant changes to their smile. While veneers last longer, dental bonding is a cost-effective choice for minor changes, with the added benefit of being less invasive since less of the natural tooth is altered.
No, dental bonding doesn’t harm your natural teeth. The underlying tooth structure usually remains mostly, if not completely, intact. The bonding itself may chip or break over time, but it can be easily repaired. One common concern is that bonding doesn’t respond to teeth whitening like natural teeth. You might choose to whiten your teeth before bonding or replace the bonding to match your natural shade after whitening. If you’re looking for more durability, veneers or crowns might be a better option, as they are stronger and last longer.
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