Dental bonding is a non-invasive cosmetic dental procedure that can help improve the appearance of your smile. Here, our Ottawa dentists explain how dental bonding can be used to help repair and restore your smile.
What is dental bonding?
Dental bonding is an effective and non-invasive cosmetic dental treatment in which your dentist applies tooth-coloured composite resin to your teeth and then shapes and polishes it to match the surrounding teeth surrounding. When the procedure is complete, the resin should blend in to create a natural-looking smile.
We call the process 'dental bonding' because the composite resin literally bonds to the tooth.
Why would I need dental bonding?
Dental bonding is most often used for cosmetic purposes – to improve the appearance of a chipped or discoloured teeth, to make teeth appear longer, to change their shape, or to close gaps between teeth.
Bonding is also sometimes used as an alternative to silver (amalgam) fillings, or to cover exposed tooth roots due to receding gums.
What happens during a dental bonding procedure?
When your dentist performs a dental bonding treatment, they will apply a composite resin to your tooth in layers and then use a light 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.
How long does dental bonding 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 we see 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 where in your mouth the bonding is (some areas are more likely to chip than others) and how it's maintained. Practicing good oral hygiene habits and attending regularly scheduled dental visits are 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.
You should also refrain from chewing hard candy or ice, biting down too hard or grinding your teeth, since all of these things can chip the bonding material.
Your dentist can touch up the composite resin and re-bond it over time, if required.
