
What Is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding involves the use of composite resin, the same material applied for composite fillings, to repair and reshape damaged teeth. This procedure, referred to as Bonded Restoration, effectively restores teeth with chips, cracks, or breaks, giving them a natural and refreshed look that can last with proper care. Additionally, dental bonding is an excellent option for enhancing the appearance of your smile by reshaping teeth, adjusting their colour, or closing gaps—all without the need for veneers or orthodontic treatments.
The Process Of Dental Bonding
Whether your goal is to restore a tooth’s function or enhance its look, the dental bonding procedure follows the same steps. Here’s what you can anticipate during your appointment:
Getting The Tooth Ready
To begin, a thin plastic film called a dental matrix is placed to protect the surrounding teeth from any impact during the procedure. This precaution ensures the preparation gel or composite resin doesn’t affect neighbouring teeth. The tooth is then carefully cleaned and dried, and a mild acidic gel is applied briefly to create a slightly rough surface, helping the bonding material adhere more effectively.
Applying Composite Resin
After the gel is rinsed off and the tooth is dried once more, the dentist will apply the composite resin. A shade that closely matches your natural teeth is chosen to ensure the restoration blends seamlessly. The resin is applied in thin layers, with each layer being hardened using a special blue curing light. This step-by-step process ensures a durable and long-lasting result.
Getting The Final Touches
Once the layers are complete, the dentist will check your bite and make any necessary adjustments. The final step involves polishing the tooth to create a smooth, natural-looking finish. The result is a flawless repair that blends so well with your natural teeth you may forget which tooth was treated. For your continued care, this treatment will be noted in your chart, and during future visits, the dentist will monitor the bonded tooth for any wear or signs of damage to ensure its longevity.
How Does Bonding Compare To Other Options?
Your path to achieving a beautiful smile or restoring damaged teeth can be tailored with various treatment options. The best choice depends on your individual needs, and during your visit, we’ll gladly go over all the alternatives, reviewing their benefits and drawbacks to help you make an informed decision. Here are some advantages of dental bonding to consider:
Small Upfront Costs
Dental treatments can become more expensive as their complexity increases, such as with veneers or orthodontic work, which involve detailed, personalized plans. For minor adjustments affecting just a few teeth, dental bonding provides an affordable and efficient alternative.
Great For Small Repairs
If you’re looking for significant changes to your smile, more advanced solutions like veneers, crowns, or orthodontics may be the best route. However, for small fixes, dental bonding remains the simplest, most practical, and effective option available.
The Cost Of Dental Bonding In Wellesley
Determining the exact cost of dental bonding can be difficult because of its versatility and the variety of situations it addresses. To provide an accurate estimate, we need to assess your individual needs through a detailed examination. That said, dental bonding generally ranges from $300 to $600 or more per tooth for those without insurance. Fortunately, most insurance plans cover dental bonding, especially when it’s required to repair a damaged or broken tooth. With coverage, your out-of-pocket costs are usually around $60 to $120.
Several key factors can impact the total cost of dental bonding, such as:
- The number of teeth that require bonding: The cost will depend on how many teeth need the procedure.
- Whether new x-rays are needed: Additional diagnostic imaging may increase the overall expense.
- The amount of composite resin required for your treatment: The volume of material used can affect the price.
- The location of the affected teeth in your mouth: The position of the teeth can influence the complexity and cost of the procedure.
- Your overall oral health condition: Any additional treatments needed for underlying oral health issues can impact the total cost.
It’s important to note that providing an accurate quote over the phone isn’t possible. To receive a precise estimate, we invite you to schedule an in-person consultation. During your visit, we’ll conduct a full examination and provide detailed pricing, helping you make an informed decision about your treatment costs.
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
How long dental bonding lasts can vary based on factors such as its location, your oral hygiene habits, and your diet. Generally, dental bonding can endure anywhere from 4 to 10 years or longer. During your regular dental visits, your dentist will assess its condition and address any wear or damage. If needed, additional composite resin can be applied to maintain its durability and extend its lifespan.
While dental bonding is not a permanent solution, it is highly durable. With proper oral care, healthy eating habits, and routine dental check-ups, bonding can remain intact for over a decade. If you notice any wear or damage, it can be reinforced by adding more composite resin to the existing bonding.
Veneers and dental bonding are two distinct treatments, each with its own advantages. Veneers are ideal for those seeking a long-lasting solution for more significant smile transformations. On the other hand, dental bonding is a more affordable option, perfect for minor repairs or enhancements, though it typically has a shorter lifespan. Additionally, bonding is less invasive, preserving more of the natural tooth structure.
Dental bonding is a safe and non-invasive procedure that leaves the natural tooth structure untouched or minimally altered beneath the bonding material. If the bonding becomes chipped or damaged, it can be easily repaired. Some patients worry that bonding doesn’t respond to teeth whitening. To address this, you can whiten your teeth before the bonding procedure or replace the bonding to match the new tooth shade. If you are looking for a more durable option, treatments like veneers or crowns may provide greater strength and longevity.