Dental bonding can help improve the appearance of your smile. Our dentists in Winnipeg share some facts about this non-invasive cosmetic dental procedure and how it can be used to help repair gapped or discoloured teeth and restore your smile.
What is dental bonding?
During a dental bonding procedure, tooth-coloured composite resin will be applied to your teeth, then shaped and polished to match the teeth around it so that it blends in. This will help to create a natural-looking smile.
This safe, effective and non-invasive cosmetic dental treatment is aptly named 'dental bonding' since the composite resin literally bonds to the tooth.
Why would I need dental bonding?
Most often used for cosmetic purposes, dental bonding can help improve the appearance of chipped or discoloured teeth. It can also make teeth appear longer, change their shape or colour or close gaps between teeth.
Bonding is also sometimes used as an alternative to silver (amalgam) fillings, or to cover tooth roots that have been exposed by receding gums.
What happens during a dental bonding procedure?
When your dentist performs the dental bonding treatment, he or she will apply a composite resin to your tooth in layers, and harden each layer with a light.
After the last layer is hardened, the composite resin will be shaped and polished to fit your tooth, resulting in a natural-looking, smooth tooth that complements the rest of your smile.
How long will the dental bonding process take?
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.
How much does dental bonding cost?
Often, patients who go to their dentist for dental bonding procedures are concerned about cost. Fortunately, dental bonding is an effective, relatively long-lasting cosmetic procedure. Your specific cost will depend on a number of factors, including:
- Scope of work, where in the mouth your procedure is taking place and the size of the area to be bonded
- Insurance coverage - how much of the procedure will your insurance cover? (May depend on whether your issue is primarily cosmetic or structural)
- Your local area - costs may vary depending on which city your dentist is in, and which dental practice completes the procedure
How long does dental bonding last?
The composite resin your 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 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.
Your dentist can touch up the composite resin and re-bond it over time, if required.