Dental bonding is a fast and non-invasive cosmetic dental procedure that can help improve the appearance of your smile. Here, our Collingwood dentists provide some facts about how dental bonding can be used to repair teeth and restore your smile.
What is dental bonding?
Dental bonding is a safe, effective and non-invasive cosmetic dental treatment that can help to improve the overall appearance of your smile. Bonding involves the application of tooth-coloured composite resin to a tooth, which is then shaped and polished to match the teeth surrounding it so that it blends in, creating a natural-looking smile.
This cosmetic dental process is called 'dental bonding' because the composite resin literally bonds to the tooth.
Why would I need dental bonding?
Dental bonding is typically 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.
In some cases, bonding is used as an alternative to silver (amalgam) fillings, or to cover exposed tooth roots due to receding gums.
What is the dental bonding process?
When bonding a tooth the dentist applies layers of composite resin to your tooth, using a special light to harden each layer before the next one is applied.
Once the final 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 is a quick way to improve the appearance of an individual tooth or a number of teeth. The process usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes per tooth and in most cases will be completed in one visit.
How much does dental bonding cost?
Compared to other cosmetic restorations dental bonding is a cost-effective and relatively long-lasting way to repair or improve the appearance of a tooth. Your specific cost will depend on a number of factors, including:
- Scope of work, where the tooth is located in your mouth 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)
- Where you live - 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 uses during the bonding process will likely have a lifespan of between 4 and 8 years, but could last as long as 10 years.
How long bonding lasts can vary depending on your specific case (where in your mouth it’s applied) and how well it is maintained (excellent oral hygiene and attending your regularly scheduled dental visits is key).
To ensure that your dental bonding lasts as long as possible, we recommend avoiding sugary or acidic foods, as these can wear on your teeth. Although 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 an opportunity to grow. It is also important to refrain from chewing hard candy or ice, biting down too hard or grinding your teeth, since all of these can damage the bonding material.
When your bonding reaches the end of it's lifespan or if it becomes damaged, your dentist can touch up the composite resin and re-bond it.