Dental bonding is a cosmetic dental procedure that can be used as a non-invasive technique to alter the look of your smile. Our Delta Straight Smile Dentists are here with all the information you need to know about this procedure.
What is dental bonding?
Dental bonding is a non-invasive cosmetic treatment that can be performed by our Delta Straight Smile Dentists to alter the appearance of your teeth. Your dentist applies tooth-coloured composite resin to your teeth, then shapes and polishes it to match the teeth surrounding it so that it blends in, creating a natural-looking smile.
We call the process 'dental bonding' because the composite resin literally bonds to the tooth.
How dental bonding might help
Dental bonding is commonly used for cosmetic purposes, to change the look of a chipped or discoloured tooth, to make your natural teeth longer, or to close gaps between teeth.
In the right circumstances, bonding can be used as an alternative to silver (amalgam) fillings, or to cover exposed tooth roots due to receding gums.
What to expect during your dental bonding treatment
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 final layer of resin has hardened, your dentist can now shape and polish it to match the look of your other teeth, resulting in a smooth, natural-looking tooth that complements the rest of your smile.
How long does dental bonding take?
This procedure is relatively quick, taking about 30 to 60 minutes per tooth. Unlike veneers, which are custom-made in a dental lab and thus require more time, the bonding process can most often be completed in one visit.
How much does dental bonding cost?
Often, patients we see for dental bonding procedures are concerned about what it's going to cost as cosmetic procedures are generally not covered by insurance. Fortunately, dental bonding is an effective, relatively long-lasting cosmetic procedure. Your specific cost will depend on a number of factors, including:
- The 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? This can even vary depending on whether your issue is primarily cosmetic or structural.
- Your local area - costs can change depending on which city your dentist is in.
How long does dental bonding last?
The composite resin that is used during the dental bonding process has a lifespan of about 4 to 8 years and can last as long as 10 years with exceptional care.
How long the effects of dental bonding last can vary depending on individual cases (where in your mouth it’s applied) and how it’s maintained. good oral hygiene and attending your regularly scheduled dental visits are key to keeping everything looking good.
To ensure your smile lasts as long as possible, we recommend avoiding sugary and acidic foods, as these can cause a great deal of 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.
If you notice that your dental bonding resin is wearing, your dentist can schedule you an appointment to touch up the composite resin and even re-bond if needed.