With dental bonding, we can help improve the appearance of your smile with a non-invasive cosmetic dental procedure. Today, our Burnaby dentist shares some insight into how dental bonding can be used to repair gapped or discoloured teeth and restore your smile.
What is dental bonding?
This non-invasive, safe and effective cosmetic dental treatment has your dentist covering your teeth with tooth-coloured composite resin, then shaping and polishing it to match the surrounding teeth so that it blends in, leaving you with a natural-looking smile.
This aptly named process is called 'dental bonding' because the composite resin literally bonds to the tooth.
Why would I need dental bonding?
Typically, dental bonding is used for cosmetic purposes — to improve the appearance of discoloured or chipped teeth, to change the colour or shape of teeth or to close gaps between them, or to make your teeth appear longer.
Bonding is also sometimes used as an alternative to silver (amalgam) fillings, or to cover tooth roots that have been exposed due to receding gums.
What's involved in a dental bonding procedure?
During a dental bonding treatment, the dentist applies composite resin to your tooth in layers before a light is used to harden each layer.
After the last layer has hardened, the dentist will shape and polish it to fit your tooth, resulting in a natural-looking, smooth tooth surface that complements the rest of your smile.
How long does dental bonding take?
Usually, dental bonding will take about 30 to 60 minutes to complete. Unlike veneers which are custom-made in a dental lab and will therefore require more time, the bonding process can most often be done 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 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.