If you are looking to cosmetically improve the look of your smile dental bonding could help. Today, our dentists in Whitehorse explain what dental bonding is and how it can help restore the look of gapped, chipped, or discoloured teeth.
Dental bonding, what is it?
Dental bonding is a non-invasive, safe, and effective cosmetic dental procedure, where a tooth-coloured composite resin is applied to your teeth, then is shaped and polished to match the teeth around it to help it blend in and look more natural.
This process is called 'dental bonding' because the composite resin bonds to the tooth.
Why will I need dental bonding?
Dentists usually perform dental bonding procedures for cosmetic purposes – to help improve the look of discoloured or chipped teeth, to make teeth look longer, change their shape or colour, or to close gaps between teeth.
Sometimes bonding is performed as an alternative treatment to silver (amalgam) fillings, or to cover tooth roots that have become exposed as a result of receding gums.
What happens in the dental bonding process?
When a dentist performs a dental bonding procedure, they apply a 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 smoother, more natural-looking tooth that complements the rest of your smile.
How will dental bonding take?
Dental bonding usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes per tooth to complete. 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 will dental bonding cost?
It can be common for dental bonding patients to be concerned about the cost of the treatment. Fortunately, dental bonding is an effective, relatively long-lasting cosmetic procedure. Your specific cost will depend on a number of factors, including:
- Scope of work, the place in your mouth where the procedure is taking place, and the size of the area to be bonded
- Your local area - costs can vary depending on which city you are in, and which dental practice is performing your procedure
- Insurance coverage - how much of the procedure will your insurance cover? (May depend on whether your issue is primarily cosmetic or structural)
How long will 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 your smile lasts as long as possible, we advise avoiding sugary or acidic foods, as these can 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 won't 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.
Your dentist can touch up the composite resin and re-bond it over time if needed.