Do you have a chip in your tooth that you want to be fixed? Is there a space between your teeth that makes you self-conscious? Dental bonding could be the perfect solution to help you achieve a bright, healthy smile. Bonding can help improve the look of broken, stained, chipped, cracked teeth or teeth that have spaces between them. Let’s go over everything to know about dental bonding and what the process entails.
The Process
When you bond your teeth, it requires little to no preparation. Unless there is decay or an old restoration present, anesthesia is typically not needed.
During the process, your dentist will apply a conditioning gel. The gel will roughen your tooth, allowing the bonding material to adhere. Your dentist will then apply the filling and cure it with ultraviolet light.
Following the treatment, the dentist will shape and polish the bonded material until it reaches its final appearance.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Just like with any other cosmetic procedure, there are pros and cons that you should consider:
Advantages
- Cost. Bonding is an affordable option for most people looking to get dental work done. It’s among the least expensive cosmetic procedures.
- Time. Dental work, like veneers and crowns, requires some time to prepare as well as a second visit. Bonding is done in a single dentist visit.
- Invasiveness. Bonding isn’t a huge surgery. It requires minimal removal of teeth, and you can get multiple done in one appointment.
Disadvantages
- Staining. The resin can stain your teeth over time. While veneers and crowns offer more resistance to staining, bonding can still give you excellent results.
- Durability. They aren’t as durable as crowns or veneers.
How Long Does Dental Bonding Last?
The durability of dental bonding is based largely on the location of the restoration of the tooth. Bonding on the edge of your tooth does not last as long due to biting force. Biting into certain food can also break dental bonding. Foods that are crunchy, chewy, or hard will weaken the bonding.
When you have your teeth bonded, you may want to avoid directly biting into food. This will ensure you do not compromise the structural soundness of your recent work. Dental bonding can last anywhere from 4 to 8 years, depending on your chewing habits and tooth location.
Taking Proper Care after Your Procedure
After you’ve had your teeth bonded, you don’t need to perform any special or different at-home care other than standard dental procedures. After your appointment, you’ll want to continue your oral care routine as normal. Brush and floss the parts of your mouth as you typically would.
Those who consume tea, dark sodas, red wine, tobacco products, or coffee often should take steps to reduce contact with teeth. These people are more prone to get staining on their bonded teeth.
Cost of the Procedure
The cost of your getting teeth bonded varies by multiple factors. It’s dependent on the extent of the procedure, the dentist’s expertise, and the location. On average, it can cost anywhere from $300 to $600 for each tooth. A tooth bonding will need to be replaced about every 5 to 10 years.
Will Insurance Cover My Procedure?
Dental bonding is considered cosmetic surgery. As such, most insurance companies won’t cover your costs. You can check the enrollment and coverage information from your insurance provider to determine if they cover this procedure. If you’re unsure, you can also call your provider and ask.
Difference Between Dental Bonding and Veneers
Dental bonding is the process of filling imperfections in teeth with a white substance. It’s applied to the surface of the tooth to change its colour, size, and shape. It achieves a similar effect as veneers but through a different process.
Dental veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that are attached to the front surface of teeth. They add length, improve colour, and change the shape of broken or damaged teeth. Veneers are made in a lab by a technician or ceramist. They’re custom crafted, colour-matched, and fitted to your mouth.
Veneers will require multiple dental visits over 2 to 3 weeks. Dental bonding is much quicker.
Who Gets This Cosmetic Procedure?
As one of the least expensive and easiest cosmetic dental procedures, bonding is often used to improve the appearance of chipped or discoloured teeth. It can also be the solution for those looking to fill the spaces between their teeth. Sometimes people opt for this method as a cosmetic alternative to amalgam fillings. It can also be used to protect the portions of the tooth’s root, which have been exposed by receding gums.
What are the Risks?
The only risk associated with dental bonding is that the bond itself is not as strong as the real tooth. Chewing on ice can break the filling, and biting your fingernails can chip the material. The longevity of the composite resin depends completely on the amount present and on your oral habits.
What to Do After Your Appointment
In the days following your oral procedure, follow the proper care steps. Call your dentist if you feel anything off or strange, such as the feeling of sharp edges, when you bite down.
The Takeaway
Getting a bright and healthy smile can boost your self-esteem. There’s no reason to feel that you constantly need to hide your teeth and cover your mouth when you speak or laugh. There’s a way to eliminate the embarrassment you feel about the state of your mouth.
Dental bonding can provide you with a pain-free, affordable, and safe way to get rid of these insecurities. Many people have had these types of procedures and are rarely disappointed in their results. Thanks to these advances in dental technology, you no longer have to suffer from imperfections in your teeth. Consult your dentist if you’re interested in dental bonding. They can tell you if the procedure is right for you or recommend other options to improve the appearance of your smile.