Dental bonding is a cosmetic procedure that is non-invasive and can help to improve the appearance of your smile. Here, our Markham dentists provide some facts about how dental bonding can be used to repair gapped and discoloured teeth to restore your smile.
What is dental bonding?
Dental bonding is normally a safe, effective and non-invasive cosmetic dental treatment. Your dentist applies tooth-coloured composite resin to your teeth and then shapes and moulds it to match the surrounding teeth in order to blend in and create a natural-looking smile.
We call the process 'dental bonding' because the composite resin literally bonds to the tooth.
Why would I need dental bonding?
Dental bonding is most often used for cosmetic purposes – to improve the appearance of chipped or discoloured teeth, to make teeth appear longer or change their shape or colour, or to close gaps between teeth.
Bonding is also sometimes used as an alternative to silver (amalgam) fillings, or to cover exposed tooth roots due to receding gums.
What happens during a dental bonding procedure?
When your dentist performs a bonding treatment, thy apply a composite resin in layers to your teeth. A special light is sued to harden each resin 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 complements the rest of your smile.
How long does dental bonding take?
Dental bonding generally takes about half an hour to an hour to complete for each tooth treated. Dental bonding, unlike veneers, which require time to be custom-made in a dental lab, can sometimes be completed in one single visit.
How much does dental bonding cost?
Patients can often be concerned about the cost when they come to us for dental bonding. Fortunately, dental bonding can be an effective and relatively long-lasting cosmetic restoration. The cost of your treatment will depend on a number of factors, including:
- Your local area - costs may vary depending on which city your dentist is in, and which dental practice completes the procedure
- Scope of work - where in 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
How long does 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.
The length of time your dental bonding will last can vary depending on your unique case, including where in the mouth it is applied, how you maintain it and how often you visit your dentist for cleaning.
To ensure your smile lasts as long as possible, we advise avoiding sugary or acidic foods, as these can wear on your teeth. Though fruit is good for your health, don't forget to brush and floss your teeth soon after eating them so bacteria or plaque do not have the chance 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 required.
