What Is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding uses composite resin to repair and reshape teeth. It can fix chips, cracks, and breaks, restoring teeth to a natural-looking condition. With regular care, the results can last a long time. Dental bonding is also a cosmetic solution, improving the appearance of teeth by adjusting shape, colour, and closing gaps, without the need for veneers or braces.
What distinguishes dental bonding from other options?
When it comes to restoring your teeth or achieving your ideal smile, there are several options to consider.
The most suitable choice for you will depend on your individual requirements. During your appointment, we will gladly guide you through all available options, discussing the advantages and disadvantages of each.
However, here are some of the advantages of dental bonding to consider:
Quick and painless
Unlike fillings or dental veneers that often require drilling and preparation of the tooth, dental bonding typically involves minimal to no removal of natural tooth structure. As a result, the bonding procedure is generally painless and requires little, if any, discomfort.
Low upfront cost
While more extensive treatments like dental veneers and orthodontics can be costly due to their personalized and complex nature, minor changes to a few teeth can be addressed through dental bonding, which is a simpler and more cost-effective treatment option.
Great for small repairs
It is worth emphasizing that if you have significant changes in mind for your smile, a comprehensive treatment plan involving dental veneers, crowns, or orthodontics may be more suitable. However, for minor changes, dental bonding remains the simplest and most convenient solution.
The Dental Bonding Process
Regardless of whether you’re seeking dental bonding for restorative purposes or purely aesthetic reasons, the process remains consistent.
Here’s what you can anticipate during your dental bonding appointment:
Preparing the tooth
To begin, a dental matrix (a thin plastic film) is placed between your teeth to shield the neighbouring ones from any preparation gel or composite resin. Afterward, your tooth is thoroughly cleaned and dried, and a mildly acidic gel is applied for a brief period. This gel creates a rough surface on the tooth, facilitating the bonding process.
Applying the composite resin
The dentist applies matching composite resin in layers, curing each layer with a blue light for strength and durability. The resin is shaped and sculpted to achieve a natural appearance.
Finishing touches
Following a bite check, your dental bonding procedure is considered finished. As a final step, the dentist will swiftly polish your tooth, resulting in a beautiful and natural appearance. You may find it difficult to distinguish the repaired tooth from the rest. We will make a record in your chart, and during future exams, the dentist will provide specific attention to the bonded tooth, ensuring its condition and addressing any signs of wear or damage.
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
Dental bonding is a cosmetic dental procedure that uses composite resin to repair chipped, cracked, or discoloured teeth. It can also be used to close gaps between teeth and reshape their appearance.
No, dental bonding is typically a painless procedure. The dentist will ensure your comfort by using local anesthesia if necessary. Most patients experience little to no discomfort during or after the bonding process.
The lifespan of dental bonding can vary depending on factors such as oral hygiene practices, eating habits, and the location of the bonding. With proper care, bonding can last between 5 and 10 years before requiring touch-ups or replacement.
Dental bonding does not require any special care beyond maintaining good oral hygiene practices. Regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental check-ups are essential to ensure the longevity of the bonding material.
In some cases, dental bonding may be covered by dental insurance, especially when it is performed for restorative purposes. However, coverage varies among insurance plans, so it is best to check with your provider to determine the extent of coverage for dental bonding procedures.
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