What Is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding uses composite resin, the same material used for composite fillings, to shape a tooth. Teeth that are chipped, cracked or broken can be ‘built up’ with composite resin in a process called Bonded Restoration. This repair will restore the tooth to like-new condition and will last a long time with routine care. Dental bonding is also used to enhance the aesthetic appeal of a smile by reshaping teeth, correcting colour and closing gaps without the need for veneers.
Is Bonding Right for You?
There are several options for restoring your teeth or achieving the smile you’ve always wanted. The best treatment for you depends on your specific needs and goals. During your consultation, we’ll walk you through each option along with the pros and cons so you can make a confident, informed decision. With that in mind, here are some of the top benefits of dental bonding:
Quick and Painless
With fillings or dental veneers, some drilling is usually needed to prepare the tooth beforehand. That’s rarely true for dental bonding. Very little, if any, of your natural tooth structure needs to be removed, which means the bonding process is almost always completely pain free.
Low Upfront Cost
More extensive treatments such as dental veneers and orthodontics come with a higher price tag, since bigger, more dramatic changes require a personalized treatment plan of greater complexity. However, for minor changes to a few teeth, dental bonding remains a simple, cost-effective treatment.
Great for Small Repairs
It’s worth repeating: if you’re picturing bigger changes to your smile, a more complex treatment plan may serve you better, including dental veneers, crowns, or orthodontics. But for smaller changes, dental bonding remains the simplest option available.
The Bonding Procedure Explained
Whether you’re getting dental bonding to repair a tooth or purely for cosmetic reasons, the process stays the same. Here’s what you can expect at your dental bonding appointment:
Preparing the Tooth
First, your neighbouring teeth are protected with a thin sheet of plastic called a dental matrix. This matrix sits between your teeth and shields the adjacent tooth from any stray preparation gel or composite resin. Next, the dentist carefully cleans and dries your tooth, then applies a mildly acidic gel for a few seconds so the bonding material has a rough surface to adhere to.
Applying the Composite Resin
Once the acidic gel is rinsed away and the tooth is dried again, the composite resin is applied. Your dentist selects a shade that matches your natural teeth for a seamless, natural-looking finish. The composite resin is built up in layers, and a special curing light hardens each layer for maximum strength and durability.
Finishing Touches
After checking your bite, your dental bonding treatment is complete. As a final step, the dentist gives your tooth a smooth polish. Your bonded tooth will look natural and beautiful, so much so you may forget which tooth was treated. We’ll note the details in your chart, and at future checkups, the dentist will keep an eye on the bonded tooth for any wear and tear.
What is the cost of a dental bonding in Scarborough?
Dental bonding is used for such a wide range of reasons that it’s tough to give a ballpark figure without learning more about your needs and examining your teeth. That said, dental bonding typically costs around $300 to $600 or more per tooth without insurance. Most insurance plans cover dental bonding, especially when it’s needed to repair a broken or damaged tooth. With insurance, you can expect to pay roughly $60 to $120 out of pocket.
When determining the cost of your dental bonding treatment, we look at these important factors:
- How many teeth need bonding.
- Whether or not new x-rays are required.
- How much composite resin is needed to complete treatment.
- Where the teeth in question are located in your mouth.
- Your current overall oral health.
Keep in mind, no dentist can give you an accurate quote over the phone. After an examination, we’re happy to provide an accurate quote in person so you can learn your final costs and 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
These are two very different procedures. Dental veneers are the better long-term choice for patients wanting bigger, more dramatic changes to their smile. Dental bonding has a shorter lifespan but is more cost-efficient for minor changes and far less invasive, since less of the natural tooth needs to be altered.
No, whitening products won’t lighten composite resin the way they lighten natural enamel. If you’re planning to whiten your teeth, it’s best to do so before bonding so your dentist can match the resin to your brighter shade.
Bonding isn’t permanent, but it is a long-lasting solution. With routine dental care, good eating habits and regular checkups, dental bonding can last well over a decade. If your bonding starts showing wear, we can easily strengthen it with additional composite resin.
Depending on the location of the bonding, your eating habits and your routine oral hygiene, dental bonding typically lasts 4 to 10 years or more. If your dentist spots any wear and tear during a routine checkup, additional composite resin can be applied to keep your bonding strong.
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