Dental bonding is a non-invasive cosmetic dental procedure that can help improve the appearance of your smile. Here, our Sydney River dentists provide some facts about how dental bonding can be used to repair discoloured, gapped teeth and restore your smile.
What is dental bonding?
Dental bonding is a minimally invasive, safe, and effective cosmetic dental procedure. Your dentist will paint tooth-coloured composite resin on your teeth, shape them to match the surrounding teeth and polish them to finish the appearance of 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 frequently used for aesthetic reasons, such as to improve the appearance of cracked or discoloured teeth, to lengthen or alter the shape or colour of teeth, 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, the dentist applies composite resin to your 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.
How long does dental bonding take?
Usually, it takes 30 to 60 minutes to complete one dental bonding procedure on a single tooth. Bonding can frequently be finished in a single visit, unlike veneers, which must be made specifically for each patient in a dental lab and take longer.
How much does dental bonding cost?
Patients who come to us for dental bonding procedures are frequently concerned about the cost. Fortunately, dental bonding is a safe and long-lasting cosmetic procedure. Your exact cost will be determined by a variety 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.
The duration of the effects of dental bonding can vary depending on your specific case (where in your mouth it's applied) and how it's maintained (excellent oral hygiene and regular dental visits are essential).
We recommend avoiding sugary or acidic foods to extend the life of your smile. Though fruit is good for your health, remember to brush and floss your teeth right after eating it to prevent bacteria and plaque from growing. Also, avoid chewing hard candy or ice, as well as biting down too hard or grinding your teeth, as these can all chip the bonding material.
Your dentist can touch up the composite resin and re-bond it over time if required.