What is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding involves the use of composite resin, a strong material also used in fillings, to repair and reshape teeth. For chipped, cracked, or broken teeth, a technique called Bonded Restoration is used to rebuild the tooth’s structure. This process restores both the tooth’s appearance and functionality, providing a long-lasting result with proper dental care. Dental bonding is also an excellent choice for improving your smile, as it can refine the shape, adjust the colour, and close gaps without the need for veneers or braces.
The Dental Bonding Process
No matter if dental bonding is done for cosmetic enhancement or to repair a tooth, the procedure follows the same steps. Here’s what you can expect during your appointment:
Preparing the tooth
To protect surrounding teeth, a thin plastic shield called a dental matrix is placed between your teeth. This prevents adjacent teeth from being affected by the preparation gel or composite resin. The dentist then cleans and dries the tooth before applying a mild acidic gel for a few seconds to create a textured surface for better bonding.
Applying the Composite Resin
After removing the gel and drying the tooth again, the composite resin is applied. The dentist selects a shade that matches your teeth for a natural appearance. The resin is layered, and each layer is hardened with a special blue light to ensure durability and strength.
Finishing Touches
Once the bonding is complete, the dentist checks your bite to ensure proper alignment. The tooth is polished for a smooth, natural finish. The repaired tooth blends seamlessly with the rest of your smile, and you may even forget which tooth was treated. At future check-ups, the dentist will monitor the bonded tooth for any signs of wear or damage.
How Does Dental Bonding Compare to Other Options?
There are multiple ways to improve your smile or restore damaged teeth, and the ideal choice depends on your unique situation. During your consultation, we’ll explain the different treatments available, highlighting their benefits and drawbacks to help you make the best decision. Here’s what sets dental bonding apart:
Quick and Comfortable
Unlike veneers or certain types of fillings, dental bonding usually doesn’t require extensive drilling. Minimal removal of natural tooth structure is needed, making the process virtually pain-free.
Affordable Option
For minor cosmetic improvements or repairs, dental bonding is a cost-effective alternative to more involved treatments like veneers or braces, without compromising results.
Perfect for Minor Adjustments
Although significant dental work may require crowns, veneers, or orthodontics, bonding is a quick and effective way to address small imperfections or subtle changes.
Cost of Dental Bonding in London
The cost of dental bonding varies depending on your specific requirements and the state of your teeth. On average, the procedure ranges from $300 to $600 or more per tooth without insurance. Fortunately, many insurance plans cover bonding, especially if it’s needed to repair a damaged or broken tooth. With insurance, you might pay between $60 and $120 per tooth out-of-pocket.
Several factors can influence the total cost of treatment, including:
- The number of teeth being bonded
- Whether new x-rays are necessary
- The amount of composite resin required
- The location of the teeth being treated
- Your overall dental health
Please note that an exact estimate cannot be provided over the phone. After an in-person assessment, we’ll give you a detailed cost breakdown, so you can make an 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 lifespan of dental bonding on front teeth typically ranges from 4 to 10 years or more. Factors such as its location, your diet, and your oral care routine play a significant role. During check-ups, your dentist will monitor the bonding and can add more composite resin if needed to maintain its strength.
While not a lifelong solution, dental bonding is highly durable. With good oral hygiene, a healthy diet, and regular dental visits, it can last for over a decade. If it shows signs of wear, it can be touched up with additional resin to extend its lifespan.
The choice between bonding and veneers depends on your goals. Veneers are better suited for those seeking a more dramatic or lasting transformation, while bonding is a less invasive and more affordable option for minor adjustments.
Bonding doesn’t harm your natural teeth. The tooth beneath the bonded material stays largely unchanged. While the bonding material may chip or wear over time, it can be repaired easily. However, bonding doesn’t respond to whitening treatments, so you may want to whiten your teeth beforehand or replace the bonding to match your new tooth colour. For greater durability, veneers or crowns might be a more suitable option.
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