Dental bonding is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure dentists can use to help improve your smile's appearance. Today, our Orangeville dentists share a few facts about dental bonding including how it works and how it can be used to help repair gapped, discoloured teeth and restore your smile.
What is dental bonding?
Dental bonding is a safe, effective, and non-invasive cosmetic dental treatment. Your dentist applies tooth-coloured composite resin to your teeth, then shapes and polishes it to match the teeth surrounding it so that it blends in, creating a natural-looking smile.
This process is called 'dental bonding' because the composite resin bonds to teeth.
When will I need dental bonding?
Usually, dental bonding is used for cosmetic purposes – it helps improve the look of a chipped or discoloured tooth, to make teeth appear longer, change their colour or shape, or to close gaps between teeth.
Bonding can also sometimes be used as an alternative treatment to silver (amalgam) fillings, or to cover exposed tooth roots caused by receding gums.
What is going to happen during my dental bonding procedure?
When dentists conduct a dental bonding treatment, they apply composite resin to your tooth in layers and use light to harden each layer.
After the last layer is hardened, the dentist shapes and polishes it to fit your tooth, resulting in a smooth, natural-looking tooth that can complement the rest of your smile.
How long will dental bonding take?
Typically, dental bonding takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes per tooth to complete. Unlike veneers, which are made custom in a dental lab and thus require more time, the bonding process can usually be completed in a single visit.
What is the cost of dental bonding?
Often, patients we see for dental bonding procedures are concerned about cost. Fortunately, dental bonding is an effective, relatively long-lasting cosmetic procedure. Your specific cost will depend on a number of factors, including:
- Scope of work, which part of 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 will 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.
How long the effects of dental bonding last can vary depending on your specific case (where in your mouth it’s applied) and how it’s maintained (excellent oral hygiene and attending your regularly scheduled dental visits is key).
To make sure the results of the dental bonding last as long as possible, we suggest avoiding sugary or acidic foods, because they can wear on your teeth. Though fruit is good for your health, don't forget to brush and floss your teeth shortly after eating them so bacteria or plaque doesn't get the opportunity 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.
Your dentist can touch up the composite resin and re-bond it over time if needed.