Dental bonding is an easy procedure where a tooth-colored resin is applied to areas of a tooth and then hardened using a special light. It is one of the most cost-effective cosmetic dentistry procedures out there.
Issues Dental Bonding Can Help Fix
It is used in many different cases, including:
- Filling cavities
- Repairing chipped or cracked teeth
- Improving discolored teeth
- Closing gaps between teeth
- Making teeth seem longer
- Changing the shape of teeth
- Protecting roots that have been exposed by gum recession
Bonding is often used as a somewhat temporary fix for dental issues until a more permanent solution is put in place. It’s also commonly used for for small changes to the teeth, especially in low bite pressure areas like front teeth. In higher pressure areas, it has the possibility of chipping.
An Easy Procedure
Bonding is one of the easiest procedures available to those looking to improve the appearance of their smile. Unless many teeth are involved, this is a procedure that can usually be done in one visit that usually lasts 30-60 minutes.
How Dental Bonding Works
Here’s how it generally works…
Your dentist will first use a color swatch to choose a resin color that closely matches your current tooth color. Next, they will make the area of the tooth rougher and apply a conditioning liquid. These will help the bonding resin stick better. Next, the dentist will apply the resin to the tooth, sculpt it to the right shape, and then use a UV light or laser to harden the material. Once it hardens, they will touch it up and polish it so it matches the rest of your teeth exactly.
Benefits of Dental Bonding
One benefit of bonding is no special care is required once the procedure is done. You simply brush and floss as normal. In addition, the resin is fairly stain-resistant. Depending on oral habits, these fillings can last anywhere from 3 to 10 years before needing to be replaced.
Bonding also has advantages over veneers and crowns. While both of those must be manufactured in a lab, most bondings can be done in one trip to your dentist. The other main benefit is that bondings require much less of your enamel to be removed than with veneers and crowns.
Some Drawbacks…
That said, there are a couple drawbacks with bonding. First, the resin used is not the most durable option out there. And while it is relatively stain-resistant, crowns and veneers tend to do a better job remaining stain free. The best way to decide what option is the best for you is to talk to your dentist.
Costs
However, it is fairly cheap (especially compared to other options) usually costing anywhere from $100 to $400. In addition, anesthesia is usually not required unless the bonding is used to fill a cavity. This will help keep the costs low.
When done correctly, bonding often leaves your teeth looking completely normal. It will be hard to tell that there was ever a broken tooth.
Dental bonding can make your tooth look new again without totally breaking the bank!