Are you looking to improve the appearance of your smile? Dental bonding is a non-invasive, cosmetic dental treatment that may be an option for you. Here, our Calgary dentists share key details about dental bonding and how it might be able to restore your smile, by treating gapped and discoloured teeth.
Dental Bonding
Dental bonding is a safe, effective, and non-invasive cosmetic dental treatment. 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.
When Dental Bonding Is Needed
Most of the time dental bonding is used for cosmetic purposes – to improve the appearance of teeth that are chipped or discoloured, to make them look longer, to change their shape and colour, or close gaps between teeth.
Occasionally, bonding can also be used as an alternative to silver (amalgam) fillings, or to cover tooth roots that have become exposed due to receding gums.
The Dental Bonding Procedure
When a dentist performs dental bonding treatments, they apply composite resin to a 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 smooth, natural-looking tooth that complements the rest of your smile.
The Length of The Dental Bonding Process
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.
The Cost of Dental Bonding
Many people who seek dental bonding procedures are concerned about the costs. Fortunately, dental bonding is an effective, relatively long-lasting cosmetic procedure. The cost for your specific case will depend on various factors, including:
- Insurance coverage - how much of the procedure will your insurance cover? (May depend on whether your issue is mainly structural or cosmetic)
- Your local area - costs can vary depending on the city your dentist is in, and which dental practice is conducting the procedure
- Scope of work, the spot in your mouth where the procedure is taking place, and the size of the area being bonded
How Long Dental Bonding Treatment Lasts
The composite resin the 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 cause 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 needed, the dentist may be able to touch up the composite resin and re-bond it over time.