Dental Bonding

Dental bonding aims to correct many minor defects and is a quick and easy procedure to achieve. It refers to the procedure and the substance and can also be known as tooth bonding. Make an Appointment

Dental bonding aims to correct many minor defects and is a quick and easy procedure to achieve. It refers to the procedure and the substance and can also be known as tooth bonding.

The bonding substance is a white colour and is flexible as it can be applied to your teeth and be shaped in many ways. Bonding your teeth can be used to fill cavities and is also known as “composite fillings” or “white filling”. Once the substance is applied and shaped, our dentists can use a special curing light to harden it.

Common Defects Corrected by Dental Bonding Include:

Dental Bonding Compared to Porcelain Veneers

Both dental bonding and porcelain veneers can be used to correct tooth defects and improve the appearance of your teeth and smile. The main differences between dental bonding and porcelain veneers are:

Dental Bonding	Porcelain Veneers
Good aesthetics	Excellent aesthetics, they are custom made and artistically crafted by a highly skilled ceramist
Correct minor aesthetic flaws	Able to correct most aesthetic flaws
Lasts 2-5 years	Lasts 10+ years, they are made to last longer
More susceptible to chipping	Less susceptible to chipping
Susceptible to staining, regular maintenance required	Does not discolour over time
Cheaper short-term alternative	A long-lasting investment

What Are The Benefits Of Dental Bonding?

The key benefits of Dental bonding include the following:

Cost.

The average cost of dental bonding ranges from $300 to $600 per tooth. “But many dental insurance plans cover most of the cost of bonding, particularly when it is done for structural reasons or to fill a cavity,” says Harms.

Speed.

Dental bonding typically requires only one office visit. The entire process can be accomplished in 30 to 60 minutes per tooth.

Ease.

Anesthesia is usually not necessary, unless bonding is being used to fill a decayed tooth. Compared to veneers and crowns, dental bonding also requires the least amount of enamel removal, explains Harms.

What Are The Risks Of Dental Bonding?

There are few risks associated with dental bonding. The bonding material can become chipped, worn down or discolored with time. Other risks include:

Bonding material can become stained. Unlike crowns and porcelain veneers, dental bonding has a tendency to become discolored over time. “Coffee, tea, red wine, and cigarette smoke can stain the material used in dental bonding, making it stand out from the rest of your teeth,” says Harms. To minimize staining, you’ll need to avoid these substances for 24 to 48 hours after bonding is first performed. If you’re a smoker, you’ll want to choose a different cosmetic dentistry treatment. “Because bonding material is porous, it will yellow from exposure to cigarette smoke,” explains Harms.
Less durable. Additionally, the material used in dental bonding isn’t as strong and long-lasting as porcelain veneers and crowns. It can easily chip. With proper care though, dental bonding can last three to seven years.

Maintenance of Dental Bonding

Because dental bonding is more susceptible to staining and chipping than other forms of cosmetic dentistry, special care is required to keep your bonded teeth looking natural. Here are some tips to keep your dental bonding in tip-top shape:

Cut down on coffee, tea, and red wine.
If you’re a smoker, this is a good reason to quit — not to mention that smoking also increases your risk of gum disease and oral cancer.
Since dental bonding can chip easily, avoid biting your nails or chewing on hard objects, such as ice, pencils, and raw carrots.
Call your dentist if you notice sharp edges or if your teeth feel strange when you bite down. If necessary, dental bonding can be repaired or touched up, says Harms.

Because dental bonding does take some artistic skill for optimal cosmetic results, it’s important to choose a dentist experienced with the procedure. Don’t hesitate to ask to see before and after photos of your dentist’s previous dental bonding patients.

Dental bonding isn’t appropriate in every situation, but it can be a quick and relatively inexpensive way to improve your smile. And feeling good about the appearance of your teeth can help you maintain good dental health.