Dental bonding is a non-invasive cosmetic dental procedure that can help improve the appearance of your smile. Here, our Scarborough dentists provide some facts about how dental bonding can be used to repair discoloured, gapped teeth and restore your smile.
What is dental bonding?
Dental bonding is a noninvasive, safe, and effective cosmetic dental treatment. Your dentist applies tooth-coloured composite resin to your teeth, then shapes and polishes it to match the surrounding teeth, creating a smile that appears natural.
We call the process 'dental bonding' because the composite resin literally bonds to the tooth.
Why would I need dental bonding?
Most commonly, dental bonding is used for cosmetic purposes, such as improving the appearance of chipped or discoloured teeth, making teeth appear longer or altering their shape or colour, or closing spaces 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 dental bonding treatment, the dentist applies composite resin to your tooth in layers. A light is used 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 complements the rest of your smile.
How long does dental bonding take?
Typically, dental bonding requires between 30 and 60 minutes per tooth. In contrast to veneers, which are custom-made in a dental laboratory and thus require more time, bonding can typically be completed in a single visit.
How much does dental bonding cost?
Patients who require dental bonding are frequently concerned about cost. Fortunately, dental bonding is a relatively durable and effective cosmetic procedure. Your exact cost will depend on a variety of variables, including:
- 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)
- Your local area - costs may vary depending on which city your dentist is in, and which dental practice completes the procedure
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.
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 ensure that your smile lasts as long as possible, we recommend avoiding sugary and acidic foods, which can cause tooth erosion. Remember to brush and floss your teeth as soon as possible after eating fruit so that bacteria and plaque do not have a chance to grow. Additionally, avoid chewing hard candies or ice, biting too hard, or clenching your teeth, as these behaviours can damage the bonding material.
Your dentist can touch up the composite resin and re-bond it over time if required.
