What Is Dental Bonding?
Dental bonding involves using composite resin – the same material used for composite fillings – to reshape a tooth. Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth can be restored through a process called Bonded Restoration, which “builds up” the tooth to its original condition and ensures long-lasting results with regular care. Dental bonding can also enhance the aesthetic appeal of your smile by reshaping teeth, correcting colour, and closing gaps, all without the need for veneers.
How Does Dental Bonding Compare to Other Options?
There are several options for restoring your teeth or achieving your ideal smile, and the best choice for you depends on your specific needs. During your visit, we’ll be happy to discuss all available options and their respective pros and cons so you can make an informed decision. Here are some key benefits of dental bonding:
Quick and Painless
Unlike fillings or dental veneers, which often require some drilling to prepare the tooth, dental bonding typically involves little to no removal of your natural tooth. This means the procedure is almost always pain-free, with minimal preparation.
Low Upfront Cost
More complex treatments like dental veneers or orthodontics come with a higher price tag due to their personalized and intricate nature. However, for minor improvements to a few teeth, dental bonding offers a more affordable and straightforward solution.
Great for Small Repairs
While dental bonding is perfect for addressing small cosmetic changes, if you’re looking for major transformations, treatments like dental veneers, crowns, or orthodontics may be more suitable. Dental bonding is the simplest and most cost-effective option for minor adjustments.
The Dental Bonding Process
Whether you’re using dental bonding to repair a tooth or enhance its look, the procedure is the same. Here’s what you can expect during your dental bonding appointment:
Preparing the Tooth
First, a thin plastic film called a dental matrix is placed between your teeth to protect the neighbouring tooth from any stray preparation gel or resin. The dentist will then clean and dry the tooth before applying a mild acidic gel for a few seconds to create a rough surface, allowing the bonding material to adhere properly.
Applying the Composite Resin
Once the acidic gel is rinsed off and the tooth is dried, the dentist will apply the composite resin, selecting a shade that matches your natural teeth for a seamless look. The resin is applied in layers, with a special blue light used to harden each layer, ensuring optimal strength and durability.
Finishing Touches
After confirming your bite, the dentist will give the bonded tooth a final polish to achieve a natural, smooth finish. Your bonded tooth will blend in so well that you may not even remember which one was repaired. We’ll note the bonding in your chart, and during future checkups, the dentist will monitor the tooth for any signs of wear and tear.
Cost of Dental Bonding in Toronto
Since dental bonding can address a wide range of needs, providing an accurate cost estimate requires a detailed assessment of your situation. Typically, the cost of dental bonding ranges from $300 to $600 or more per tooth without insurance. If you have insurance, the out-of-pocket cost is usually between $60 and $120, particularly if bonding is needed to repair a broken or damaged tooth.
When determining the cost of your dental bonding treatment, we take several factors into account:
- The number of teeth requiring bonding.
- Whether new X-rays are needed.
- The amount of composite resin required for the procedure.
- The location of the teeth being treated.
- Your overall oral health.
Please note that no dentist can provide an accurate quote over the phone. After your examination, we’ll be able to give you a precise quote in person, so you can fully understand your costs and 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 varies based on factors like its location, your eating habits, and your oral hygiene. On average, bonding can last anywhere from 4 to 10 years or more. If wear and tear occur, additional composite resin can be applied during routine dental exams to maintain its strength.
While dental bonding is not a permanent solution, it is highly durable and can last for over a decade with proper care. Routine dental check-ups, good oral hygiene, and healthy eating habits will help extend its longevity. If any wear is detected, the bonding can be reinforced with more composite resin.
Bonding and veneers serve different purposes. Veneers are a better option for patients seeking long-term, dramatic changes to their smile, as they tend to last longer and offer more durability. On the other hand, dental bonding is more cost-effective for minor changes, involves less tooth alteration, and is less invasive but has a shorter lifespan.
Dental bonding does not significantly damage your natural teeth. The bonding material is applied to the tooth surface, leaving the majority of your tooth intact. Over time, bonding may chip or break, but it can be easily repaired. It’s worth noting that bonding does not whiten with teeth whitening treatments, so you may want to whiten your teeth first or replace the bonding to match your newly whitened teeth. If durability is a concern, you may want to consider dental veneers or crowns, which are stronger and longer-lasting.
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