What Is Dental Bonding?
Experience Dental - Dental Bonding FAQs
Experience Dental - What is dental bonding?
Dental bonding is a technique that involves applying composite resin, the same material used in composite fillings, to reshape and repair teeth. Through the Bonded Restoration process, composite resin is applied to restore teeth that have been chipped, cracked, or damaged. This treatment effectively brings the tooth back to its natural appearance and provides durable results with consistent care. Furthermore, dental bonding enhances the aesthetics of a smile by reshaping teeth, correcting discolouration, and closing gaps, offering an alternative to veneers or orthodontic procedures.
The Process Of Getting A Dental Bond
Whether your aim is to repair a damaged tooth or improve its appearance, the steps involved in getting a dental bond follow a standard process. Here’s what you can expect during your appointment:
Preparing The Tooth For The Bonding
The procedure starts with placing a dental matrix, a thin plastic film, between your teeth. This protects the adjacent teeth from accidental exposure to the preparation gel or composite resin. Once the surrounding teeth are safeguarded, the dentist cleans and dries the tooth. A mildly acidic gel is then applied for a short time to create a textured surface that allows the bonding material to adhere effectively.
Adding On The Composite Resin
After removing the gel and drying the tooth, the dentist applies the composite resin. A resin shade is carefully selected to match the natural colour of your teeth, ensuring a natural-looking result. The resin is added in thin layers, with each layer hardened using a specialised blue light. This curing process strengthens and stabilises the bonded material.
Final Touches
Once your bite is checked and adjusted as needed, the process is completed. To finish, the dentist polishes the bonded tooth, leaving it with a smooth and natural appearance. The repair will be so precise that it will blend seamlessly with your other teeth. The dentist will update your dental records and monitor the bonded tooth during future visits, checking for any signs of wear over time.
What Does Dental Bonding Look Compared To Other Options?
Improving your smile or repairing damaged teeth can be achieved through a variety of treatment options. The most appropriate choice for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. During your consultation, we will gladly go over all available solutions, providing a detailed breakdown of the pros and cons of each option. This will ensure you have the knowledge needed to make an informed decision. Now, let’s examine some of the key benefits of dental bonding:
Fast and painless
Unlike fillings or dental veneers, which may require drilling to prepare the tooth, dental bonding often skips this step. Typically, little to no removal of your natural tooth structure is necessary, making the procedure both quick and relatively pain-free.
Lower upfront costs
It’s important to note that treatments such as dental veneers and orthodontics tend to be more costly due to their complexity and the extensive planning involved. However, if you are looking for minor adjustments to a few teeth, dental bonding provides a simpler and more affordable alternative.
Great for the smaller repairs you want
If you’re considering significant changes to your smile, treatments like veneers, crowns, or orthodontics may be the better choice. However, for minor adjustments or repairs, dental bonding offers an easy and efficient solution that delivers excellent results for small-scale improvements.
The Cost Of A Dental Bond In Thornton
As a versatile treatment option, this procedure is used for many purposes, making it challenging to estimate the cost without first evaluating your specific needs and thoroughly examining your teeth. On average, the cost ranges from $300 to $600 or more per tooth without insurance. Fortunately, most insurance plans cover the procedure, especially when it is necessary to repair a broken or damaged tooth. With insurance, out-of-pocket costs are generally between $60 and $120.
Several factors play a role in determining the cost of treatment, including:
- The number of teeth needing the procedure
- Whether x-rays are required
- The quantity of composite resin used
- The location of the teeth being treated
- The current state of your oral health
It’s essential to remember that an exact quote cannot be provided over the phone. Once we’ve conducted an examination, we’ll gladly provide you with an accurate estimate in person, ensuring you have all the information to understand the costs and make a well-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
The durability of dental bonding depends on factors such as the location of the bonded area, your dietary habits, and your oral hygiene practices. Typically, dental bonding lasts between 4 to 10 years or more. During regular dental check-ups, your dentist can monitor for any signs of wear and, if necessary, apply additional composite resin to maintain its strength and appearance.
While not considered a permanent solution, dental bonding is highly durable. With proper dental care, healthy eating habits, and routine check-ups, it can last more than a decade. If wear or damage occurs, the bonded area can be reinforced by adding more composite resin.
Dental veneers and bonding each serve different purposes and offer unique benefits. Veneers are ideal for individuals seeking a more comprehensive, long-term solution for dramatic smile enhancements. In contrast, dental bonding is a budget-friendly option suitable for minor cosmetic improvements, requiring minimal alteration of the natural tooth and making it a less invasive choice.
Dental bonding is a safe and minimally invasive procedure that keeps your natural tooth intact. The bonding material is applied directly to the tooth’s surface without removing much, if any, of the original tooth structure. While the bonding may occasionally chip or break over time, it can be easily repaired. A common concern is that bonded teeth do not respond to teeth whitening. If this is a concern, you may opt for teeth whitening before bonding or have the bonding material replaced to match the whitened teeth. For enhanced durability, alternatives like dental veneers or crowns may be worth considering, as they offer greater strength and longevity.
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